New Questions About The Use Of Forensic DNA New Questions About The Use Of Forensic DNA Menu

[Kirsten]

Forensic DNA testing has been used to exonerate more than 300 innocent people, including 22 on death row. It’s helped capture dangerous repeat offenders and led to convictions in seemingly unsolvable cases. Yet, some warn it’s not the silver bullet it’s perceived to be. A recent study in Texas found DNA evidence was misanalyzed in cases dating back to 1999. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice announced policy changes to address concerns over the quality of crime labs that process forensic evidence, including DNA. Today, understanding the strengths and limitations of one of crime fighting’s most powerful tools.

http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/201...

Guests:
Erin E. Murphy, professor, NYU School of Law; author of Inside the Cell: The Dark Side of Forensic DNA

Daniele Podini, professor of forensic and molecular biology, department of forensic sciences, George Washington University

John Butler, fellow and special assistant to the director for forensic science, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Mitch Morrissey, district attorney, Denver, Colorado

Related Links:

DNA Evidence Has A Dark Side (FiveThirtyEight Science)
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/d...