A Moratorium on the Presentation of DNA Evidence

Abstract

In recent decades, DNA evidence has become something of a pop-culture phenomenon. All too often, DNA evidence is shown as irrefutable fact, a scientific fingerprint that allows for a black-and-white determination of guilt or innocence. Unfortunately, such depictions are inaccurate and dangerous. This paper attempts to address this danger by calling for a temporary moratorium on the presentation of DNA evidence at trial, implemented until federal standards are put in place to regulate the presentation of DNA evidence, and until robust studies indicate the prevalence of DNA transfer.This paper will demonstrate that DNA analysis schemes are dangerously flawed and that they allow for various outcomes, ranging from understandable human error to the exploitation of an already unstable system. It will then argue that the current reliance on DNA analysis differs from what its legislative creators intended, and will propose solutions to current problems in DNA testing procedures.