NCJ Number
180928
Journal
Judicature Volume: 83 Issue: 3 Dated: November-December 1999 Pages: 141-149
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence was established by Attorney General Janet Reno in 1997 to make recommendations to the Attorney General regarding ways to ensure the effective use of DNA technology and DNA evidence in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Shirley S. Abrahamson, Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, chairs the commission. The other commissioners represent the judiciary, prosecutors, the defense bar, law enforcement, the scientific community, laboratory directors, academia, the medical examiner community, and victims' rights advocates. The five areas of focus are postconviction, crime scene investigation and evidence collection, legal issues, laboratory funding, and research and development. The Commission's identification and analysis of the issues associated with forensic DNA can facilitate a more effective application of this technology and can expedite its usefulness as a crime-fighting tool while encouraging public trust in the system. This proactive approach will ensure that the further integration of this technology will occur with broad-based input, thoughtful consideration, and effective analysis of the relevant issues. Photographs and list of commissioners