Use Of Dna Technology In Criminal Justice
DNA TECHNOLOGY IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
1. Overview
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic material that contains the biological instructions for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. In the criminal justice system, DNA is used primarily for identification purposes:
Crime scene evidence: Blood, hair, saliva, skin cells, semen, and other bodily fluids.
DNA databases: National DNA databases store profiles to compare and match DNA from crime scenes to known suspects.
Exoneration of the wrongly convicted: DNA technology has been instrumental in overturning wrongful convictions, highlighting the need for accuracy and fairness in the justice system.
2. Legal Framework for DNA Evidence
United States
DNA Identification Act of 1994: Established the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), allowing forensic DNA data to be compared and matched against known offenders, arrestees, and crime scene evidence.
Frye Standard: Initially, DNA evidence had to meet the "general acceptance" standard within the relevant scientific community.
Daubert Standard: Later, the Daubert standard became the standard for scientific admissibility in court, emphasizing that the methodology used in DNA analysis must be reliable.
United Kingdom
Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984: Establishes procedures for the collection of DNA samples from suspects and crime scenes.
National DNA Database (NDNAD): A database for storing DNA profiles of individuals, used for matching DNA evidence in investigations.
India
Forensic Science Laboratory Guidelines: DNA evidence must be collected and handled in a manner that maintains its integrity.
Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Indian Evidence Act: Allow for the admissibility of DNA evidence, especially when used to establish identity or in cases of sexual offenses.
3. CASE LAWS AND PROSECUTIONS
1. People v. O.J. Simpson (1995, U.S.)
Facts:
One of the most famous cases in U.S. history, involving the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
The prosecution relied heavily on DNA evidence, including blood found at the crime scene, on Simpson's clothing, and in his vehicle.
Legal Action:
DNA samples were matched with the victims and the defendant.
The defense argued that the DNA evidence was contaminated and mishandled, casting doubt on its integrity.
Outcome:
Simpson was acquitted of the murders despite the strong DNA evidence, partly due to concerns about police misconduct and mishandling of evidence.
Impact:
While the case raised doubts about the handling of DNA evidence in high-profile cases, it reinforced the power of DNA as crucial evidence in criminal trials.
The case highlighted how DNA evidence must be handled properly to avoid challenges to its admissibility.
2. R v. Adams (1999, UK)
Facts:
A man named Russell Adams was accused of murder after a woman was found dead. DNA evidence from the crime scene, including blood on the victim's clothing, was found to match Adams' DNA profile.
Legal Action:
The DNA evidence was presented as a key part of the prosecution's case.
Defense argued that the DNA evidence could have been contaminated or that it wasn't definitively linked to the crime.
Outcome:
Adams was convicted, and the DNA evidence played a pivotal role in securing his conviction.
Impact:
This case was an important example of how DNA can be determinative in solving serious crimes like murder. It showed that DNA technology can offer conclusive proof of a defendant's involvement in a crime.
3. State v. DNA (State v. Saldano, 2003, U.S.)
Facts:
In State v. Saldano, DNA from a rape victim was compared with the DNA of several suspects, including the defendant.
DNA evidence from a rape kit collected from the victim was found to match the defendant, leading to his arrest.
Legal Action:
DNA analysis was pivotal in this case as forensic analysis confirmed the identity of the attacker.
The defense attempted to argue that DNA was not the "gold standard" of evidence, but the prosecution's reliance on DNA led to the conviction.
Outcome:
Saldano was convicted of rape based on the DNA evidence, and it was central to securing his conviction.
Impact:
This case illustrated the critical role of DNA evidence in sexual assault cases, providing irrefutable proof of guilt when other forms of evidence might be inconclusive.
4. Exoneration of the Wrongfully Convicted – The Case of Kirk Bloodsworth (1985, U.S.)
Facts:
Kirk Bloodsworth was convicted in 1985 for the rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl, based primarily on eyewitness testimony.
After serving more than 9 years in prison, DNA evidence was later used to exonerate him, proving his innocence.
Legal Action:
Bloodsworth's conviction was overturned after DNA testing on evidence from the crime scene, which had not been available at the time of trial, revealed that his DNA did not match the crime scene samples.
Outcome:
Bloodsworth was released from prison, and his case became one of the first examples of DNA evidence being used to exonerate a wrongfully convicted individual.
Impact:
This case helped to establish the importance of DNA technology in post-conviction exoneration, leading to the creation of DNA databases and further reforms in how criminal justice handles forensic evidence.
It highlighted the potential for DNA to correct miscarriages of justice and prevent wrongful convictions.
*5. The Case of the Golden State Killer (Joseph DeAngelo, 2018, U.S.)
Facts:
Joseph DeAngelo was identified as the notorious Golden State Killer, responsible for at least 13 murders, 50 rapes, and over 100 burglaries between the 1970s and 1980s.
Investigators initially had no suspects but used a public genealogy website (GEDmatch) to identify distant relatives of DeAngelo through DNA uploaded by people researching their family trees.
Legal Action:
DNA evidence collected from the crime scenes was compared to genetic data available in public genealogy databases.
This led to the identification of DeAngelo as the prime suspect.
Outcome:
DeAngelo was arrested and pled guilty to multiple charges in 2020. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Impact:
This case was groundbreaking because it demonstrated how genealogy databases can be used to identify criminal suspects through distant familial DNA matches.
It also raised significant privacy concerns about the use of publicly available genetic information in criminal investigations.
6. R v. Bamber (1986, UK)
Facts:
In the R v. Bamber case, Jeremy Bamber was convicted of murdering five family members.
The case was controversial because of the use of bloodstain pattern analysis and DNA evidence, which ultimately helped to secure a conviction.
Legal Action:
DNA evidence was crucial in connecting Bamber to the crime scene. However, the case also involved challenging forensic evidence, and Bamber appealed on the grounds that DNA was not used properly in his original trial.
Outcome:
Bamber's conviction was upheld, but the case highlighted the evolving role of DNA in complex murder investigations.
Impact:
The case helped shape the role of DNA evidence in criminal trials and highlighted the evolving forensic standards.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Revolutionized Criminal Investigations: DNA technology has changed the way law enforcement investigates crimes, from identifying suspects to exonerating the innocent.
Central in Sexual Offenses: DNA evidence is particularly crucial in sexual assault cases, providing irrefutable evidence of the perpetrator’s identity.
Exoneration Tool: DNA testing is critical in post-conviction exoneration—wrongful convictions can be overturned, as seen in the case of Kirk Bloodsworth.
Emerging Privacy Concerns: The case of the Golden State Killer highlights ethical and privacy concerns regarding the use of genealogy databases in criminal investigations.
Crucial in High-Profile Cases: DNA has been decisive in solving cold cases (like the Golden State Killer case) and securing convictions, but it must be handled carefully to avoid challenges to its reliability.
RELATED Blog
comments