NCJ Number
145984
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 66 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1993) Pages: 411-417
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The author discusses current and potential uses of DNA evidence in criminal trials.
Abstract
Tests for the presence of blood or semen are highly sensitive, but not 100-percent accurate. Defense attorneys are not assuming that DNA evidence is unchallengeable. Some court cases are cited in which the admissibility or reliability of DNA evidence was at issue. A 1993 report recommended that such evidence should be admissible only if an expert has been available to the defense, and that the prosecution should disclose all of its DNA evidence. DNA technology is expanding; for example, through the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), forensic scientists now can select and multiply small sections of DNA which show variation. PCR can be extremely useful in dealing with samples that are very small or have been broken down by unfavorable conditions or aging.