We are putting the National DNA Database on Trial

Should everyone in the UK be added to the National DNA Database?

The National DNA Database is a police database which contains information from DNA found at scenes of crimes. It also contains DNA taken from individuals who have been arrested, convicted or acquitted of a crime, as well as those who have voluntarily provided a DNA sample to help with an investigation.

There are calls for the DNA Database to be expanded to include every person living in the UK, and the University of Glamorgan, the Wales Gene Park, Techniquest and Swansea University organised a Mock Trial to explore whether everyone in the UK should be added to the National DNA Database.

This Trial took place on Saturday 8 November 2008 from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm, at Cardiff Crown Court.

The jurors and prosecution and defence teams were young people aged 15–19. The audience in the public gallery also voted on the evidence using hand-held electronic devices.

A Trial summary has been produced and the results circulated widely, including visits by the young people to the Welsh Assembly Government on the 3rd of December, and the Human Genetics Commission (a government advisory body) on the 9th of December in Cardiff.