Jan 17
There is nothing so absurd but some philosopher has said it.
Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC), De Divinatione
"A database containing DNA is full of very complex ethical issues."
Jimmy Palmer glanced up from this work, a row of neat, precise stitches in Corporal Jansen, curious as to the sudden change in topic by his loquacious mentor. Changes in topic were not new, but this sounded as though it was about to become a debate and he preferred his wits about him.
He knew why this subject was in the air. Agent Gibbs had graced Autopsy earlier, wanting to know if Ducky could pull a few strings and persuade the British authorities to hand over their suspect's DNA profile so they could compare it to one found at a crime scene. Palmer had wondered aloud why they couldn't just arrest the guy and take a sample, but Agent Gibbs had glared at him and that was that.
"The British have different rules governing their database," Ducky continued. "Simply being arrested, which happens the moment a police officer claps a hand on your shoulder, means a sample is taken. No charges are necessary, just being stopped."
Palmer might have worked in law enforcement, but he felt this was a little excessive. "So what do they do with children?" he wondered aloud.
Ducky sighed. "Exactly the same. No sample is ever removed. The argument is that the innocent have nothing to fear."
"But Agent Gibbs' suspect was never charged or convicted. Will he be able to see the profile?" Palmer asked.
"The lawyers will battle it out," Ducky noted. "This reminds me of John Rawls. He stated that individuals have to give up some of their freedoms in return for the state providing security. Of course, he meant taxes and laws, not the indefinite retention of a DNA profile."
The doors swished open and Agent Gibbs stormed in. "Ducky," he growled.
The doctor smiled and followed his friend to the elevator.
"Dropped a stitch," Gibbs called over his shoulder as the doors closed.