For investigating crimes familial search has been used more and more in recent years. When a DNA database fails to produce a »perfect« match, the police then look for the perpetrator through kinship ties. However, notwithstanding the advantages of this technique, there is a wealth of literature criticizing its use. That is mostly because it represents a departure from the original purpose of the DNA database. In addition, since familial search is performed on a DNA database, the technique's concerns are related to the mere regulation of the database, especially one that allows inclusion of DNA profiles of those arrested but not convicted or those charged but not convicted. Given that we place DNA profile among personal data which receive the highest level of legal protection, these concerns are to some extent justified. Furthermore the arguments for and against which are presented point to a dichotomy which, due to the lack of discourse on the subject and the absence of a more specific legislation and case law, will not be resolved for some time. There are some countries that are mentioned, which either regulate this area through legislation or administrative guidelines, but no broader consensus on familial search exits. This masters thesis also addresses the hypothetical assessment of compliance of familial search with the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution and compliance with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The latter is relevant in practice when assessing the retention of a DNA profile. The results of the assessment, as well in the course of the masters thesis presented arguments for and mostly refuted arguments against it, show that overall there are not enough reasons which would speak against the use of familial search. The only well-founded concerns about familial search are the very regulation of DNA database in which the search is conducted and the infringement of presumption of innocence, caused by the unselective interference with the right to privacy of overwhelming number of people based solely on their genetic connection.
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