A genetic reform of the civil law computations of the degrees of relationship in families

Abstract

Geneticists have been able to demonstrate differences in the estimation of degrees of relationship in families as determined by genetic theory and by civil law computations which are based on the ancient concept of “blood lines.” Unfortunately, no systematic effort to clarify and resolve these discrepancies has yet been made. This work suggests a method for estimating the genetic relationship of individuals according to a given genetic family diagram and describes the differences between this system and that of civil law in most countries.