Genetic Identification of Civilly Identifiable People as Proof of Authorship

  • Thaís Aline Mazetto Corazza Centro Universitário de Maringá - UniCesumar
  • Gisele Mendes de Carvalho Centro Universitário de Maringá - Unicesumar
Keywords: Genetic Identification, Proof, Penal Process

Abstract

Current article analyzes whether the possibility of collecting DNA, which the new Law 12654 introduced in Brazilian Penal Code in 2012, is a method for criminal identification or proof of authorship. Criminal identification of the civilly identifiable person may occur only to take away doubts in the wake of the presentation of documents (excepting Law 12037/09), which may be done by fingerprint, photographs or DNA. After fingerprint collection, which is unique and does not change throughout one´s life, the suspect would be sufficiently identified and would not need DNA samples for further identification. If the aim of DNA collection is identification, the new law does not apply and an underlying covert aim would be perceived, or rather, a proof of authorship. It would not be another identification tool but an instrument against the principle nemo tenetur se detegere (no one has the duty to bring proof against oneself ). Results show that genetic criminal investigation is a specialized tool and may be undertaken only if it is indispensable to establish the authorship of the crime. It is an authentic proof and not merely an identification process.

Author Biographies

Thaís Aline Mazetto Corazza, Centro Universitário de Maringá - UniCesumar
Advogada; Mestranda do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Jurídicas do Centro Universitário de Maringá - UNICESUMAR, Maringá (PR), Brasil
Gisele Mendes de Carvalho, Centro Universitário de Maringá - Unicesumar
Doutora e Pós-Doutora em Direito Penal pela Universidade de Zaragoza, Espanha; Docente Adjunta de Direito Penal da graduação e pós-graduação na Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM e no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Jurídicas do Centro Universitário de Maringá - UNICESUMAR, Maringá (PR)
Published
2014-11-14
Section
Doutrinas