DNA Profiling: the Transition From Watching Brief to the Courts -- A Victorian Perspective (From DNA and Criminal Justice, P 97-100, 1990, Julia Vernon and Ben Selinger, eds. -- see NCJ-127660)

• NCJ Number: 127671
• Author(s): D Gidley
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Program Description (Demonstrative)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

The scientific community became aware of the possibilities of DNA fingerprinting through the presentation of Dr. Stephen Gutowski at an annual conference in 1988; upon Gutowski's return to Australia, interest in the technique was translated into a watching brief held by the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) in Victoria.

Abstract

As the potential of DNA profiling emerged, the laboratory developed a protocol for the introduction of this type of analysis. During the initial stage of development, two major concerns arose, one over difficulties with the timely provision of investigative information and the second over doubts about standards, resources, and reputation of the service laboratory. The SFSL allied itself with a laboratory in the United States, Lifecodes, through a program to make the SFSL eventually autonomous in DNA profiling capability. As Lifecodes became patented in Australia, the SFSL became subject to patent and license conditions. Between March and June 1989, the SFSL completed the Lifecodes accreditation process and now performs a full casework DNA profiling service.