NCJ Number
125222
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 38-40
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on the use of DNA fingerprinting and blood analysis by electrophoresis as evidence for criminal identification in Minnesota.
Abstract
It cites the Minnesota Supreme Court decision upholding the use of electrophoretic identification of an enzyme in the blood of the victim in the Fenney case and DNA analysis in the Schwartz case on the basis of the Frye case which required general consensus of the scientific community as to a test's reliability before it can be accepted as evidence. However, on November 3, 1989 the Minnesota Supreme Court also ruled that the DNA fingerprinting evidence could not be used in the Schwartz case because acceptable FBI standards were not employed during testing and population frequency statistics would unfavorably influence the jury. To prevent improper use of DNA technology, the FBI is working to establish strict DNA standards in forensic laboratories through the use of automated data files containing DNA identification profile information and through training in technical proficiency in the test procedures.