Genetic engineering and the law: past, present and beyond: 20+1 criteria to help focus the path to our common future

Genetic engineering (GE) is a powerful molecular tool deployed daily in life sciences labs everywhere. When taken out into the world complex issues arise, many unanswered to this day. Three moments in time are considered in this analysis: the past, with the first generation of genetically modified (transgenic) crops, the present, focusing on the current generation of new breeding techniques, and the future, looking into what synthetic biology and cell manufacturing have promised. Twenty criteria that have shown promise in winnowing sustainability from failure, drawn from history, ecology and the law, are applied as tests to help understand whether society is moving towards the right outcome. An additional 21st criterion is suggested and an urgent call for change is issued.