Legal Aspects of Using the Results of Genetic Testing to Prove Ethnicity in the Law Enforcement Practice of the State of Israel

Abstract

This article discusses the legal aspects of applying the results of genetic testing for the purposes of determining ethnicity. Remarkable in this context is the experience of the State of Israel, where the results of genetic testing are legally used to identify potential immigrants as persons with or without Jewish origin. Apparently, this direction of development of legal regulation contributes to a rethinking of the provision of national legislation regarding the definition of Jewish origin, which was not previously tied to the results of DNA testing. The article analyzes the legal context for identifying potential immigrants as Jews, as well as the right to immigrate in the State of Israel and provides an overview of relevant legal practice. In conclusion, the author examines the key aspects of the influence of law enforcement practice in the field of the use of genetic information on the development of national legislation in this area.