Genetic Technologies and the Law

Genetic Technologies and the Law focuses on the legal implications and issues resulting from advances in genetic science and technology. Among the areas covered in depth are: legal issues arising in research and commercialization of genetic tests and products; the challenges and risks genetic information presents to established tenets of privacy; changing concepts of parenthood resulting from prenatal genetic testing and advanced reproductive technology; the effect of genetic science on agriculture and food supplies; the impact of genetics on clinical medicine and public health; the risk of genetic discrimination and stigmatization; and the role of genetics in civil and criminal litigation.The book includes edited cases, textual commentary, and excerpts from relative policy documents. Each of the chapters also includes a series of problems and hypothetical scenarios designed to promote critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Tailored for law students, this text is also suitable for courses aimed at multidisciplinary audiences engaged in the study of law and genetics.

Sean O'Connor is Associate Professor of Law, University of Washington.