DNA in the Dock: The National DNA Database on trial
24 October 2008
A mock trial organised by the University of Glamorgan, the Wales Gene Park, Techniquest, and Swansea University will hear cases for and against extending use of the National DNA Database (NDNAD). The jury, prosecution and defence teams will be comprised of young people aged 16 to 21, some of whom, like nearly eight per cent of the UK population, are on the NDNAD.
Funded by the Wellcome Trust, this mock trial aims to explore very real issues surrounding current and potential future use of the NDNAD.
Dr Rachel Iredale from the University of Glamorgan says: “Our research with young people in Wales has raised a number of critical questions about the existing Database, including whose DNA should be kept and for how long. One solution to these questions might be for everybody to be placed on a ‘universal’ DNA Database. So for the purposes of this trial, we’ve assumed this policy might be considered by a future government.
“It’s very important to know what young people think about being placed on the DNA Database. We’ve supported our participants with detailed information and access to relevant experts over the past few weeks. The trial will enable everyone to think about the National DNA Database in a different way and the verdict will be presented by participants to policy-makers, including the Welsh Assembly Government and the Human Genetics Commission.”
Statement of the Offence: That the UK Government would be guilty of causing an unreasonable threat to the civil liberties of the citizens of the United Kingdom by the creation of a universal DNA database.
Arguments for the defence might include evidence from the police that such a Database would help identify offenders more easily and lead to higher conviction rates - it would eliminate the innocent more quickly and prevent discrimination and stigma associated with being on the current NDNAD.
Arguments for the prosecution may claim that a universal database would infringe on civil liberties, that information on the database could be used by other agencies, and that a universal database turns everyone into a potential suspect.
Tony Woods, Head of Medicine, Society and History Grants at the Wellcome Trust, said: “There are important ethical considerations bound up with the growing application of genetic data in the justice system. This mock trial gives us a chance to consider how we as a society want our genetic information to be used, as well as to hear the views of some of the young people whose data is actually on the National DNA Database.”
The trial is open to the public, and the audience will be invited to vote on the issues. More information is available from the DNA Database on Trial website.
Image: DNA double helix and sequencing output; Peter Artymiuk, Wellcome Images
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Notes to editors
1. The National DNA Database is a police database that contains information from DNA found at scenes of crimes. It also contains DNA taken from individuals who have been arrested, convicted or acquitted of a crime, as well as those who have voluntarily provided a DNA sample to help with an investigation.
2. The University of Glamorgan is a modern and thriving university based in South Wales. It has two main campuses: one in Treforest near Pontypridd and another in the heart of Cardiff city centre. The University is currently pursuing one of the most ambitious development plans in UK higher education, totalling £55 million.
3. The Wales Gene Park brings together the considerable expertise in genetics in Wales, facilitates knowledge transfer to the NHS and commercial sectors and has very active programmes in professional education and public involvement.
The key activities of the Wales Gene Park are:
- putting Wales at the forefront of genetics research
- identifying the genetic causes of disease
- translating research into medical practice
- commercialisation and innovation
- professional education
- stimulating public debate of genetics issues
- ethics and the societal impact of genetics.
4. Techniquest is an educational charity, established in 1986 and based in Cardiff, Wales. Its mission is to engage people with science and to motivate further education. It also addresses science-related areas such as maths, engineering and technology.
Techniquest works extensively with public audiences, and provides a range of services to schools and teachers to complement the formal education provision in Wales. It has a worldwide reputation for creating excellent programmes and exhibits, and its staff includes leading experts in science communication.
For its audiences, Techniquest represents a kind of experience that is accessible and stimulating. It provides choices to suit a range of abilities and interests, and includes surprises, participation, interactivity and discussion wherever possible.
5. Swansea University is a world-class, research-led university situated in stunning parkland overlooking Swansea Bay. Founded in 1920, the University now offers around 500 undergraduate courses and 150 postgraduate courses to more than 13 000 students. Swansea University’s School of Medicine aims to be a centre of excellence in research and medical education and incorporates a £52m Institute of Life Science. Its principal activities include biomedical and health services research with a strong interdisciplinary ethos, a four-year Graduate Entry Degree Programme in Medicine and higher degree programmes including PhD, MD, MCh and Masters degrees.
6. The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending more than £600m each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing.