Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) has emerged as a premier
investigative tool for identifying human remains and perpetrators of violent crimes
where other methods have failed. As the number of cases resolved with the help of IGG
has increased, there have been concomitant moves to regulate the field by applying
existing regulations where possible and creating new ones to address issues specific to
IGG. Regulation has come from all levels—from the Department of Justice, state
legislators, judges, district attorneys, non-profit organizations, forensic laboratories,
and IGG practitioners themselves—and consists of direct and indirect regulation, and
binding and non-binding rules. This chapter provides an overview of all forms of IGG
regulation to date and traces a few possible directions for the future of IGG regulation.
Keywords: Forensic, Human remains, Investigative genetic genealogy, Regulation, Violent crime.
