Conference on the Role of Genetic Fingerprinting in Contemporary Society 2024

Negating or Confirming Parentage from Jurisprudential, Societal, and Legal Perspectives

Conference Overview

The conference aims to discuss the legitimacy of the contemporary state conducting genetic fingerprinting for newborns immediately after birth and before recording their lineage in official records. It also explores the validity of negating or confirming parentage using genetic fingerprinting when a valid marriage contract is present, tracking legal developments and judicial rulings, and understanding its impact on the structure of contemporary societies.

Recently, advanced methods have allowed the examination of genetic material and its formation process and timing, resulting in what is medically known as genetic fingerprinting. Initially used in the field of medicine and the study of genetic diseases, these methods have quickly entered the realm of forensic medicine.

Legal professionals started using genetic fingerprinting in the field of criminal investigation. At the same time, scholars have discussed the possibility of utilizing this new technology as legitimate evidence of lineage, given the importance of understanding parentage as a necessity to safeguard individuals and society as a whole.

Chair’s Message

The implications of proving lineage carry significant jurisprudential, societal, and legal effects. From the jurisprudential perspective, lineage fundamentally relates to various aspects such as inheritance, guardianship, prohibition of bequest, bearing Diya (blood money), custody, etc., in addition to rulings related to marriage, such as the obligation of financial support, prohibition of certain marriages, and other legal stipulations.

From a societal perspective, proving lineage contributes to family stability, which guarantees the preservation of a cohesive social fabric made up of customs and traditions, ethical and moral belonging, and cultural dimensions.

Given the significance of such aspects and the importance of understanding the legal dimension and its development, this conference aims to address questions related to contemporary state practices in genetic fingerprinting for newborns, particularly in situations where a legally recognized marriage contract is present.

Dean’s Message

Understanding parentage is a religious objective and a necessity in preserving progeny and safeguarding society. In addition to the impact of unknown lineage on the dissolution of paternal and filial bonds, psychology has proven the adverse psychological effects resulting from unawareness of one's lineage.

Islamic jurisprudence has established multiple means to prove lineage. However, with technological advancements, a modern method emerged that facilitates the identification of genetic materials, their formation process, and their timing, known as "genetic fingerprinting." This method has been utilized in forensic medicine, criminal investigations, civil matters, and beyond. Hence, the significance of this conference lies in assessing the latest developments related to genetic fingerprinting and assessing its jurisprudential, societal, and legal ramifications.