Forensic Genetics in the Governance of Crime

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-ix

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

   Pages 1-12Open Access

3. The Sociological Gaze

   • Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

   Pages 13-31Open Access

4. Biological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour

   • Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

   Pages 33-44Open Access

5. DNA Technologies in Criminal Investigation and Courts

   • Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

   Pages 45-56Open Access

6. DNA Databases and Big Data

   • Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

   Pages 57-70Open Access

7. Forensic Genetics and Governance of Transnational Criminality

   • Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

   Pages 71-84Open Access

8. Emerging DNA Technologies and Stigmatization

   • Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

   Pages 85-104Open Access

9. Conclusion

   • Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

   Pages 105-112Open Access

10. Back Matter

    Pages 113-114

    PDF

This open access book uses a critical sociological perspective to explore contemporary ways of reformulating the governance of crime through genetics. Through the lens of scientific knowledge and genetic technology, Machado and Granja offer a unique perspective on current trends in crime governance. They explore the place and role of genetics in criminal justice systems, and show how classical and contemporary social theory can help address challenges posed by social processes and interactions generated by the uses, meanings, and expectations attributed to genetics in the governance of crime. Cutting-edge methods and research techniques are also integrated to address crucial aspects of this social reality. Finally, the authors examine new challenges emerging from recent paradigm shifts within forensic genetics, moving away from the construction of evidence as presented in court to the production of intelligence guiding criminal investigations.

• governance of crime
• genetics
• DNA technologies
• genes and environment
• forensic genetics
• Open Access

​‘In this engaging book, Machado and Granja provide a clear method of assessing forensic genetics and the applications of forensic DNA testing technologies, through a sociological lens. This book will be invaluable reading for many years to come, for anyone interested in the critical assessment of forensic genetics.’ (Dr Carole McCartney, Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, Northumbria University)

• Communication and Society Research Centre (CECS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal

  Helena Machado, Rafaela Granja

Helena Machado is Full Professor of Sociology at the University of Minho. She develops research of transdisciplinary nature, engaging the social studies of science, bioethics, and sociological and criminological perspectives to explore how genetics creates acute challenges to citizenship, democracy and social control in contemporary societies. In 2015, Machado was awarded a Consolidation Grant from the European Research Council.


Rafaela Granja, PhD, University of Minho, is a sociologist working in the project EXCHANGE, funded by European Research Council and led by Helena Machado. Her current research explores the transnational exchange of DNA data and controversies associated with scientific and technological innovations in the forensic field. Her previous work has focused on reconfigurations of family relationships inside and outside prisons.