NCJ Number
176219
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape focuses on scientific, legal, and constitutional issues associated with DNA testing and the use of DNA evidence in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
A scientific explanation is offered for what DNA is and how it is used. The discussion centers around the collection of DNA evidence at crime scenes and DNA testing in crime laboratories. The scientific expert notes that DNA fingerprinting actually means DNA profiling, that DNA profiling process is lengthy and costly, and that DNA profiling is highly definitive in suspect identification. The legal expert covers issues related to DNA testing methods and testing experts, the use of DNA evidence to convict versus exonerate, the standard in criminal cases for proof beyond a reasonable doubt, probable cause, consent, and privacy. Consideration is also paid to significant reliability issues in DNA testing, ethical issues, specific DNA analysis techniques, and the future of DNA testing.