Salloum, Megan

"Ethical Positions Concerning a National DNA Database"

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Major: Health Sciences

Minors: Bioethics and Society, Biological Sciences

Junior, College of Science and Health

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Abstract

This paper discusses ethical positions on the issue of whether or not all U.S. citizens should be required to submit DNA samples to a national database in the interest of solving crimes. The philosophies behind utilitarianism, ethics of care, and justice represent some of the ethical arguments that can be made in support of a national DNA database. Benefits of a national DNA database include the societal benefit of reduced criminal activity and deterrence of potential criminals, the preservation of justice in eliminating the racial polarization of convicted criminal only databases, and the retroactive exoneration of innocents as a practice of moral obligation. Ultimately, a national DNA database, while costly, is a move towards the improvement of scientifically sound forensic techniques and the U.S. criminal justice system as a whole.

Class: Health 229

Professor: Dr. Craig Klugman

College of Science and Health