EXAMINING THE VALIDITY OF GENETIC FINGERPRINTS IN LINEAGE DETERMINATION UNDER ISLAMIC SHARIAH AND MALAYSIAN LAW
Keywords:
DNA fingerprint, proof of lineage, denial of lineage, Sharia evidence, legal evidenceAbstract
Genetic fingerprinting is a method that has gained a lot of scientific advancement in determining lineage, though its acceptance varies in legal and religious contexts. Most jurisdictions accept DNA evidence for use in paternity disputes; however, the debate remains whether it has a place under Islamic jurisprudence. Particular scholars admit genetic fingerprinting as corroborative evidence, especially in disputed parentage, unknown ancestry, and marriage validity, but under Shariah and Malaysian law, it will be conditional upon following established legal doctrines of ethics. This study examines the relation of genetic fingerprinting to Islamic principles and Malaysian law, highlighting its evidentiary role, limitations, and possible ethical concerns. In contrast, the research thus highlights how evolving DNA evidence functions toward lineage determination, especially from religious, legal, and scientific perspectives, giving implications for both Islamic and contemporary legal systems. Genetic fingerprinting has been adopted scientifically advanced methodology to confirm the pedigree or lineage from various legal and religious facets. It is also acceptable to most jurisdictions in the use of DNA evidence in paternity disputes but remains to be accepted under Islamic jurisprudence. Some scholars approve genetic fingerprinting as a corroborative proof, especially in cases of doubtful parentage, unknown ancestry, or relating to marriage validity. However, its application is still dependent on the conformity to the established doctrine of law and the ethical considerations set forth, both within Sharia and Malaysian legal frameworks. This study will delve into the interfacing of genetic fingerprinting with Islamic legal principles and Malaysian law to examine its potential as evidence, as well as any limitations it may have alongside ethical issues that may arise. Thus, the research highlights the evolutionary functions of DNA evidence towards lineage determination from religious, legal, and scientific perspectives, giving implications on both Islamic and contemporary legal systems.
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