NCJ Number
147176
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1993) Pages: 238-242
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The value of DNA profiling in criminal proceedings is explored.
Abstract
This article explores the use and value of DNA profiling when introduced in court along with other scientific evidence. DNA profile evidence is most often used in court as part of a body of scientific evidence which includes other forms of physical evidence such as fingerprints, handwriting analysis, and blood, semen, and saliva testing, which help to link an accused with a particular crime. Only very rarely is DNA profiling evidence presented as the main evidence on which a prosecution relies. Several Scottish court cases are discussed briefly to illustrate the author's point of view. The author raises the concern that the statistical arguments presented by conflicting experts may render DNA profiling of less practical value than other less accurate scientific evidence. The author, a prosecutor, concludes that there is no reason why a jury should be deemed capable of deciding between other conflicting scientific experts but not conflicting DNA experts. If DNA evidence is only one source of evidence, it will have probative value regardless of what the possibility of a chance match is. He reminds the reader that the standard of guilt in criminal cases is "beyond a reasonable doubt," not mathematical certainty. 19 references