NCJ Number
120443
Journal
U.C. Davis Law Review Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1989) Pages: 609-651
Date Published
1989
Length
43 pages
Annotation
DNA fingerprinting makes most blood tests used to establish paternity obsolete and is the only way to conclusively link father and child in paternity suits. California courts should admit DNA fingerprinting evidence to establish paternity.
Abstract
Blood tests are unable to establish paternity; they can only establish nonpaternity. While each individual's DNA is unique, a baby inherits half of its DNA from each parent, and scientists can match each parent's contribution against the baby's genetic structure. The advantages of and cautions against relying on DNA fingerprinting are discussed, along with proposals for admitting DNA fingerprinting evidence in California paternity suits. A model statute for authorizing the admission of DNA fingerprint evidence in California paternity suits is proposed and, as an alternative, the article suggests changing the current standards for the admission of scientific evidence. 182 footnotes.