During the past two decades, the use of DNA tests has revolutionized court proceedings in criminal and paternity cases. The tests' availability has arguably eliminated the need for "judging" as the tests provide virtually conclusive evidence of identity. On the horizon is a new challenge for judges—whether to admit or compel genetic tests to confirm or predict genetic diseases and conditions in other judicial contexts, including decisions regarding culpability, sentencing, liability, causation, and damages. Although the bulk of these new uses of genetic tests are in the torts area, their use has also been reported or proposed in criminal, family law, employment, and discrimination cases.
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