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79 Ky. L.J. 415 (1990-1991)
DNA Fingerprinting: Evidence of the Future

handle is hein.journals/kentlj79 and id is 425 raw text is: DNA Fingerprinting: Evidence of the Fuiture INTRODUCTION Over the past several years a scientific techmque has been developed and introduced that many believe will revolutiomze the cnrminal justice system.' Tins procedure, commonly referred to as DNA Fingerprinting, has been used in hundreds of criminal cases and admitted into evidence in several criminal trials,2 al- though the procedure has been sanrctioned at the appellate level only once to date.3 Since it offers significant advantages over traditional genetic tests, DNA typing will be used with increasing frequency in forensic testing.4 One commentator referred to DNA testing as . the most significant thing of the century -5 It represents the first major breakthrough in forensic detection since Sir Edward Richard Henry deternuned how to use human finger- prints to identify criminals at the turn of the century 6 Where admitted, DNA testing could reduce the importance of eyewitness testimony With today's clogged judicial calendars, DNA fingerprinting can be a boon for the criminal justice system. As with any new techmque, it is important to look at all the elements involved in the procedure to determine its reliability Currently, Anderson, DNA Fingerprint Factor in Rape Trial, 200 N.Y.L.J., Sept. 21, 1988, at 1; see also Lewis, DNA Fingerprints: Witness for the Prosecution, DiscovER June 1988, at 44); Marx, DNA Fingerprinting Takes the Witness Stand, 240 SCIENCE 1616 (1988); Moss, DNA-The New Fingerprints, 74 A.B.A.J., May 1, 1988, at 66. 2 Moss, supra note 1, at 67. See Andrews v. State, 544 So. 2d 841 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1988). See infra notes 110-13. 4 See Thompson & Ford, DNA Typing: Acceptance and Weight of the New Genetic Identification Tests, 75 VA. L. REv. 45, 46 n.5 (1989), where it is noted that DNA typing tests are currently being performed by only three commercial laboratories in the United States, but plans are underway to make the tests available at a number of crime laboratories nationwide. The FBI has instituted a program for traimng forensic scientists from state crime laboratories in the procedure. See also Marx, supra note 1, at 1616. Michaud, DNA iFingerprints Spawn Law Enforcement Revolution, Chi. Daily L. Bull., Nov. 10, 1988, at 2, col. 3. 6 DNA Fingerprinting Gives Police Revolutionary Tool to Track Suspects, Lex- ington Herald-Leader, June 12, 1989, § A, at 1, col. 4.

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