Genomics and Justice: Investigating judges’, lawyers’ and non-lawyers’ genetic literacy and views on applications of genomics

Abstract

This publication brings together multidisciplinary research to create a meaningful picture of what genomic advances mean for individuals and societies, and societies’ readiness for the genomic and post-genomic era. Readiness requires adaptation to the immense progress in genomics to enable beneficial use and minimise harmful use of genetic advances and of the powers they create. The work focuses on three key directions. First, it introduces the powers created by genetic advances – the power of polygenic prediction, the power of environmental engineering, and the power of genetic engineering. Second, it provides an assessment of the immeasurable potential benefits these powers present for individuals and societies, and of the legal protection in place. Thirdly, it provides an examination of readiness of key stakeholders – the judiciary and lawyers – as the main mediators between genetic advances and outcomes for societies; and compares those to views of non-lawyers. This assessment covers the essential elements of readiness: genetics literacy, and realistic views on how these powers should be used across different sectors and life aspects. In addition, the publication reports on several elements of societal readiness such as: views of judges and lawyers on whether laws are sufficient, if and when they should be updated, and how they should be updated; and judges’ and lawyers’ confidence in own knowledge. The results showed that societies are not ready, and call for a number of short- and long-term interventions to regulate the outcomes of advances. The work concludes with an overview of the steps needed for achieving Genomic Era readiness.