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41 Mercer L. Rev. 1453 (1989-1990)
DNA Fingerprinting and Its Impact upon Criminal Law

handle is hein.journals/mercer41 and id is 1457 raw text is: COMMENTS DNA Fingerprinting and Its Impact Upon Criminal Law DNA fingerprinting is a way of' identifying an individual based upon his unique genetic make-up. This scientific breakthrough is having an enor- mous impact upon the American legal system. Although DNA fingerprint- ing technology is fairly new, it has already gained widespread recognition and use in the criminal justice system. Its usefulness and reported relia- bility have induced prosecutors throughout the country to utilize DNA evidence in many criminal cases. Because this evidence can prove to be extremely damaging to a defendant, many defense attorneys have tried adamantly to exclude the evidence. This Comment does not attempt to cover all the areas of law on which DNA fingerprinting has had an impact.' Its main focus is on the effect DNA fingerprinting has on the American criminal justice system. Part I of this Comment deals with the history of DNA fingerprinting and its first use in a criminal case. This part also discusses how DNA fingerprint- ing works and the various laboratories that conduct DNA testing throughout the country. Part II discusses the different legal standards for admissibility of scientific evidence throughout the country and has a spe- cific focus on the Georgia standard for admissibility. Part III of this Com- ment surveys the various criminal cases that have been. appealed on the issue of the admissibility of DNA evidence as well as certain Georgia 1. For a discussion on DNA testing in paternity litigation see Fara, Effect of DNA Test- ing on Paternity Litigation, AM. J. FAM. L. 61 (Spring 1979). 1453

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