Terminology
Terminology, definitions, and the language we use to describe things are important—especially in a field like Forensic Genetic Genealogy when dealing with professionals across multiple disciplines: scientists, law enforcement, historical and genealogical researchers, and the general public.
What is FGG (Forensic Genetic Genealogy)?
- Genealogy is the study of families, typically using historical Genealogy is the study of families, typically using historical records, to determine relationships and build family trees.
- Genetic relates to genes or heredity: DNA!
- Genetic Genealogy uses genetic data from DNA tests, in combination with traditional genealogy, to determine the level and type of genetic relationship between individuals. It is most often used to help identify an adoptee’s likely birth parents of an NPE’s unknown parent.
- Forensic relates to the use of scientific techniques in the investigation of a crime i.e., the establishment of facts or evidence within a legal context.
- Forensic Genealogy is the study of identity and kinship in a legal context, such as identifying legal heirs.
- Forensic Genealogy is the study of identity and kinship in a legal context, such as identifying legal heirs.
- Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) uses Genetic Genealogy in a legal context notably to help identify Jane / John Does and perpetrators of violent crimes.
- NOTE: Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) and Investigative Forensic Genetic Genealogy (iFGG) all use the word “investigative” – which describes ALL genealogy – so we use FGG.