NCJ Number
131924
Journal
Jurimetrics Journal of Law, Science and Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1990) Pages: 87-108
Date Published
1990
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article defends forensic applications of DNA fingerprinting as a reliable identification technique.
Abstract
The author begins by discussing the development of DNA identification and then explores criticisms of the admissibility of DNA evidence in light of historical events and current scientific knowledge. Four specific criticisms of DNA identification are examined: challenges to the general scientific acceptance of procedures used to make forensic DNA identifications; challenges based on the bias of prosecution experts; challenges based on the lack of industry standards for proper forensic DNA identification; and challenges based on population statistics. The author advocates the general scientific reliability of DNA analysis, a more realistic assessment of experts' qualifications, the establishment of standards for identification analysis, and the improved use of population statistics. He concludes that courts should begin to take judicial notice of the general acceptance of DNA evidence as an accurate method of identification. 78 footnotes (Author abstract modified)