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DNA evidence

01 January 1991

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DNA evidence
artdoc October=1993

The reliability of DNA evidence came under fire in two recent Old
Bailey trials. In December, Terence Hammond was acquitted of
armed robbery after the judge rejected DNA evidence. This
followed a judge's direction to disregard DNA evidence in a
previous trial involving sex offences. Defence experts said that
DNA profiling and matching procedures were inadequate. Scotland
Yard said it was confident that its forensic procedures for DNA
profiling and matching were `correct and safe', but Yard forensic
science labs are to hold a conference on DNA testing in the near
future (Independent 12.12.92).

So confident, indeed, are the police in DNA that senior Scotland
Yard officers have proposed that all males should have DNA
samples taken, and that refusal to allow a sample to be taken
during a criminal investigation should be made a criminal
offence. At present courts have no power to order DNA testing,
and there is no sanction for refusing to be tested. The RCCJ is
looking at the issues of the use, collation and storage of DNA
in criminal investigations (Guardian 4.12.92).

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