Biologist Teaches the Nation’s Judges About Genetics

NY Times ^ | July 1, 2008 | CLAUDIA DREIFUS

[neverdem]

James P. Evans, a physician and molecular biologist, teaches genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He also directs the school’s Clinical Cancer Genetics Services, counseling patients about genetic testing. On weekends Dr. Evans, under the auspices of the Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource Center — a Congressionally mandated program — teaches the nation’s judges about genetics. Dr. Evans, 49, was interviewed recently in New York; he had come to speak at the World Science Festival.

Q. WHY DO JUDGES NEED TO KNOW THEIR GENETICS?

A. Because they are frequently trying cases that hinge on genetics. And many don’t know what DNA is. They may have a rough idea. But they don’t understand the fine points.

If they sit in a criminal court, they are increasingly seeing homicide and sexual assault cases where DNA evidence is used to identify defendants. In the civil court, they are seeing cases on who owns genetic information and on whether environment or a genetic disposition caused cancer in a plaintiff. Cancer is the largest single cause of medical negligence suits — and it is, at its most fundamental level, a genetic disease. These jurists are seeing cases where the question is, “Was this person’s cancer triggered by environmental factors, or was it caused by a genetic predisposition?”

Many of the judges say that they fear their lack of scientific knowledge could cause them to make mistakes. They say they don’t know how to weigh DNA evidence. They are afraid of being snookered by expert witnesses.

Q. ARE JUDGES THE SORT OF PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE AFRAID OF SCIENCE?

A. This is a huge issue. Yes! A lot of judges report that they did prelaw in college because it did not involve science. One of my favorite judges, a brilliant man,...

[neverdem]

H.I.V. Diagnosis Rates Continue to Rise Among Young Men, African-Americans This looks familiar. Is this a repeat?

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Can this man cure cancer? [John Kanzius]

FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks neverdem.