DNA profiling: 'insurmountable proof' or exaggeration?
DNA profiling is currently the most novel technique utilized in family law and criminal matters where the identity or identification of an individual is in dispute. Its recognized potential, as a tool for identification, is phenomenal. In the light of the overwhelming acceptance of the test and the results yielded by both the popular and professional press, a mantle of almost mystic infallibility fell over the evidence provided by DNA typing in many courtrooms across the world. Fortunately, in certain jurisdictions, the naturally enquiring mind of man reasserted itself and legal brains began to recognize a potential for error in the test procedures and results. Thus emerged the challenge to the notion of absolute reliability and trustworthiness of the test findings. To date, as several cases indicate, these results have already been successfully disputed, ensuring the acquittal of accused who, in the early days, would have had only little hope of success.
Singh
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University of Durban-Westville, Durban, South Africa.
D003416:Criminal Law; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000592:standards*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010334:Paternity; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013019:South Africa