NCJ Number
114023
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from a sample of blood, semen, hair, or tissue for use in the positive identification of guilty individuals is explained.
Abstract
Cellmark Diagnostics of Germantown, Md. claims that the chances of any two people except identical twins having the same DNA fingerprint are 1 in 30 billion. Lifecodes Corporation of Valhalla, N.Y. has claimed that its DNA test is 99 percent accurate if it produces a match between specimens. The DNA analysis process is complicated and cannot be done if the sample is too small or is degraded by moisture and bacteria. As a result, the forensic science community has been cautious regarding the use of the technique that is not yet sanctioned by the FBI crime laboratory. Laboratory technicians who use the technique also require careful training. Lower court judges in Oklahoma, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York admitted DNA prints as evidence, but it has yet to be approved by any State appellate court. Nevertheless, DNA analysis has begun to have an impact on the criminal justice process in that most rape defendents have pleaded guilty after being identified by DNA tests. 5 references.