Is DNA infallible proof? Contamination, stats can lead to injustice, prof says
DNA evidence may seem rock solid, but in some cases it has pointed to the wrong suspect.
Sometimes, contamination can provide a faulty conclusion, according to a New York Times op-ed by University of California at Hastings law professor Osagie Obasogie. He provides some examples.
DNA found on the fingernails of the victim of a November robbery and murder in San Jose, Calif., was put into a crime database, producing a hit. Authorities charged 26-year-old Lukis Anderson. But it turned out that Anderson was in the hospital on the night of the crime, where paramedics had taken him because of severe intoxication.
Sometimes, contamination can provide a faulty conclusion, according to a New York Times op-ed by University of California at Hastings law professor Osagie Obasogie. He provides some examples.
DNA found on the fingernails of the victim of a November robbery and murder in San Jose, Calif., was put into a crime database, producing a hit. Authorities charged 26-year-old Lukis Anderson. But it turned out that Anderson was in the hospital on the night of the crime, where paramedics had taken him because of severe intoxication.
https://www.lawweb.in/2013/07/is-dna-infallible-proof-contamination.html
