NCJ Number
136126
Journal
Perspective Dated: (December 20, 1991) Pages: 1735-1739
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In a critical appraisal of the use of DNA typing in a legal setting, it is necessary to distinguish between exact values and valid estimates. The issue is whether a meaningful estimate can be obtained for the frequency of the DNA pattern when a match does occur.
Abstract
The authors discuss several issues relevant to this debate: genetic systems used in DNA typing, population genetics of VNTR (variable number of tandem repeat) loci, statistical evaluations of the significance of a match, and current computations of the probability of a DNA profile. They conclude that estimates which favor the defendant are acceptable. The existing population data allow valid estimates to be calculated for the larger U.S. racial groups. Existing data are sufficient to allow DNA fingerprinting of VNTR loci to be used in the courts. Despite some discrepancies and problems in DNA typing, excluding DNA evidence from courtroom applications would substantially diminish the prospect of convicting guilty defendants. 2 tables, 1 figure, and 52 references