Professor Joh Comments on DNA Collection for ABA Journal
Professor Elizabeth Joh commented on the issue of nonconsensual DNA collection for an article in the ABA Journal. The article also refers to Professor Joh's paper "DNA Theft: Recognizing the Crime of Nonconsensual Genetic Collection and Testing," published in the Boston University Law Review.
The ABA Journal article mentions several scenarios discussed in Joh's paper in which a person's DNA might be collected without knowledge or consent: "For example: a professional sports team that wants to analyze the genetic information of a prospective player before offering a multimillion-dollar contract; fans of celebrities who might pay high prices to uncover their idols' secrets; an individual's personal enemy who wishes to find out about a target's likelihood of becoming an alcoholic, a criminal, or obese; or a person in a romantic relationship who wants to find out whether the other partner carries the gene for male pattern baldness or persistent miscarriage." The article also quotes Joh as stating, ""People think these scenarios are far-fetched, but that's before they realize how easy it is these days to collect someone's DNA and take it to a lab."
Elizabeth Joh is a Professor of Law at UC Davis School of Law who researches in the areas of criminal law and procedure. She has special interests in the fields of policing, criminal justice privatization, and the sociology of law.
"DNA Theft: Recognizing the Crime of Nonconsensual Genetic Collection and Testing"