Unrealized Potential of DNA Testing

• NCJ Number: 184525
• Journal: NIJ Journal Issue: 234 Dated: December 1997 Pages: 16-23
• Date Published: December 1997
• Author(s): Victor W. Weedn J.D.; John W. Hicks M.P.A
• Length: 8 pages
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)

Annotation

Advances in technology have helped DNA testing become an established part of criminal justice procedures and, despite early controversies and challenges by defense attorneys, the admissibility of DNA test results in the courtroom has become routine.

Abstract

More than 200 published court opinions support the use of DNA testing, and DNA testing standards have been developed and promulgated. DNA testing helps identify the perpetrator or exonerate the innocent suspect. With DNA testing developments, biological evidence is now used in new ways and many more sources of evidence are available than in the past. Yet, the potential of DNA may be greater than its accomplishments to date. Realizing that potential means first overcoming a number of limitations associated with procedures for testing DNA evidence and systems to collect and access DNA information. The development of new methods of analysis will substantially improve the ability to process DNA evidence over the next few years. In addition, new and improved testing technologies are being developed and DNA databases are being established to help crime laboratories make the most effective use of DNA testing. 8 notes, 3 figures, and 1 photograph