The Ethics of Potentially Applying Dna Testing as Mandatory for Convicted Criminals

(497 Words)
Various ethical questions become raised at the suggestion of mandatory DNA testing for convicted criminals. There are both advantages and disadvantages to such a move, and these must carefully be weighed within an ethical framework.
Human rights
Those who are against mandatory DNA testing for convicted criminals say that you are betraying the human rights of the criminal. They feel that it is wrong to take this very personal information and place it into a database.
According to the Hastings Center research institution, two significant issues are informed consent and privacy. Some people feel that a criminal should have the right to decide whether to give a DNA sample based on the full information of all of the possible implications. Privacy can be compromised as questions are raised over who has access to this information.
Those against it worry that such a DNA database would be utilized for all of the wrong reasons. A big fear is that the database will be used to discriminate against criminals far beyond any punishment given by the law. For instance, the criminals will be easily identifiable and may face discriminatory actions for the rest of their lives. People may not want them to live in their neighborhoods. They may have difficulty getting jobs. They could literally be forced into a second class society.
Proponents of the measures give reasons to counter this. They feel that you can properly control who has access to such information and make laws to avoid such discrimination.
Is there truly an ethical question?
Proponents of mandatory DNA testing for convicted criminals cite additional evidence. Some feel that no ethical question is raised whatsoever. They feel that because the person committed a crime against an individual or society, they gave up some of their rights. They feel that the person’s actions make it ethically justifiable to take these steps.
For the greater good
Others feel that whatever ethical questions are raised by creating such a database are offset by the common good. There are many ways in which mandatory DNA testing for convicted criminals can provide benefits for a society. First, it may make it easier to identify the perpetrator of crimes. Many criminals attempt not one but a series of crimes, and with DNA technology you can identify them quicker. It will also give more evidence so that you can be more certain of the case. When a criminal is caught quicker, he or she will have less of an opportunity to commit more crimes.
Mandatory DNA testing for convicted criminals can also deter criminals. If a criminal knows that his or her genetic information is on file, he or she may be more scared of being caught and thus less likely to commit another crime.
Whether or not mandatory DNA testing for convicted criminals is ethical is a question that will be debated for years to come. It is important for people to explore all of the pros and cons of such an issue.