New report from BCCLA: Genetic Privacy and Discrimination

New on Clicklaw

Genetic Privacy BCCLA ReportThe BC Civil Liberties Association has recently released a new report on the hot topic of genetic technology. Supported by a grant from the Law Foundation of BC, this report suggests that as with advances in many other fields, advances that involve genetics can both benefit and harm society.

Author Eugene Oscapella provides an overview of selected issues, including individual privacy vs. public health, and genetic testing in employment and insurance matters. Loss of control over personal genetic information that makes individuals more at risk of discrimination, and its ability to provide extensive and highly sensitive information about individuals to governments and other organizations are cited as some of the dangers of genetic technology.

Representing yourself in the justice system? Would you like to share your experience?

The broader context

If you are representing yourself in a family or civil case, consider sharing your experiences dealing with the legal system.

Julie Macfarlane, of the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, is conducting a research project that is collecting the personal stories of self represented litigants – how they came to represent themselves, what happened as they moved through the legal process, and how far their expectations of justice matched up to the results.

If you are representing yourself, this is a study that can allow you to be part of the collective voice driving this project. This project is the opportunity for you to share your experiences not only dealing with the logistical aspects of the legal system – such as navigating through forms, processes and procedures, translating the language of law, and dealing with justice system personnel – but also to share your personal story and emotional journey. This project sees you as a critical part of the legal system, and encourages you to let your voice be heard by policy makers, judges and justice system officers.

If you participate, your identity and private information will be kept confidential and an interview will be scheduled at your convenience. Personal interviews and focus groups will be held at the Vancouver, Prince George, Surrey or Nanaimo courthouse. Telephone interviews are also available. Interviews are conducted by Julie Macfarlane, and take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on how long you want to talk for.

This project is funded by the Law Foundations of British Columbia and Alberta.

If you would like to participate and/or learn more about this project, you can  check out the project website or go to the Facebook page. 

You can also email Julie Macfarlane at: julie.macfarlane@uwindsor.ca or call toll free and leave a message at 1-888-775-8125.