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DNA and the displacement of certainties in brazilian family law1 1 This paper owes much to commentaries of colleagues offered during the International Conference of “Genetic identities and identification: Social issues surrounding non-medical DNA testing”, held 11th-12th October 2018, EHESS, Paris.

DNA e o deslocamento de certezas no direito de família brasileiro

ADN y el desplazamiento de verdades en la ley de la familia brasileña

Abstract

Inquiring into the impact of DNA technology on Brazilian family law,, through the consultation of legislation, jurisprudence and specific legal briefs concerning paternity disputes, we map out trends over the past thirty years. We show how, after a moment of original skepticism, genetic evidence appears to dominate the legal scene, rendering personal testimony irrelevant. However, with growing concern about men who use a negative test result to disclaim their paternal status, this testimony is once again needed to clarify whether or not the man originally believed the child was his blood-related offspring. Finally, we look at a recent period, showing how reactions against the “real biological truth” have spawned a new juridical category-socio-affective paternity-that, spreading well beyond paternity tests, is altering some basic tenets of family law.

Key-words:
Paternity investigations; Socio-affective paternity; DNA; Family law

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