The extraordinary discrimination inherent in the technique of DNA profiling has major implications for foresnic science and the application of justice. Evaluation of such evidence requires some understanding of its molecular basis, its reliability and how the odds are affected by the way in which genetic variation is distributed in populations. The collection of evidence and the storage of data raise ethical issues, while legal systems differ in how they are handled. All these aspects were reviewed in this symposium, which was organized by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, supported by a donation received from Hybaid Ltd, and held in the Wolfson Theatre, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22, 24 George Street, Edinburgh, EH22PQ on 3 April 1993. The symposium was designed to provide an informed assessment of the current position, both scientific and legal, and likely future developments. It was chaired by Professor FW Robertson and The Right Hon Lord Cameron of Lochbroom. DNA typing: approaches and applications Statistical interpretation of DNA evidence Population genetics of DNA profiles DNA profiling and crime investigation-the European context Legal aspects of DNA profiling DNA profiling and criminal law-a merger or a takeover? DNA profiling: evidence for the prosecution