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CP423


Governing the new genetics assemblage for policing & criminal justice 
Convenor:
Rafaela Granja (University of Minho)
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Discussants:
David Skinner (Anglia Ruskin University)
Nina de Groot (VU University Amsterdam)
Format:
Closed Panel
Location:
NU-5A57
Sessions:
Thursday 18 July, -
Time zone: Europe/Amsterdam

Short Abstract:

We welcome contributions that critically analyse different aspects of the increasing dissolving of boundaries between forensic, medical, and surveillance, as well as commercial and non-commercial domains from epistemological, ontological, ethical, governance, political, and practical perspectives.

Long Abstract:

Much governance of policing and criminal justice in global jurisdictions has assumed that standard biomarkers on the genome used for investigative analysis can only help compare and match two or more individual profiles, but not attribute categorical personal information – such as health, ancestry, or “lifestyle” – to each. However, genetics technologies such as massive parallel sequencing, epigenetics, DNA phenotyping, and genetic genealogy, significantly challenge this basis for legitimacy. These technologies form part of an increasingly complex ‘forensic genetics’ assemblage, fostering new and deepening dependencies between diverse policing agencies, research scientists, and commercial companies. The shift in knowledge production, in close association with dissolving boundaries between very diverse producer and user groups in this assemblage, has significant implications for identification practices as well as for governance of policing and criminal justice.

In this panel, we welcome contributions that critically explore the dissolving of boundaries between forensic, medical, and surveillance, as well as commercial and non-commercial domains from epistemological, ontological, ethical, governance, political, and practical perspectives. Our aim is to contribute to analysis and anticipation of knowledge production and governance of science and technology, particularly, forensic genetics, by delivering theoretical conceptualizations, methodological approaches, and/or empirical case studies.

Complementarily, we encourage contributors to reflect on STS-inspired perspectives on ongoing transformations of the forensic genetics assemblage, and on their role in its ‘making and doing’ (critique, enhanced practice, collaborations, etc.): How can STS scholars (1) engage in reflective practices that critically analyse the new forensic genetics assemblage; (2) reflect on the different situated knowledges it entails; and (3) intervene in the construction of new forms of ethical governance.

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Thursday 18 July, 2024, -