Open up DNA Databases to All
In most states, prosecutors have exclusive access to over 11 million DNA samples in the CODIS national database to match known and unknown suspects to crimes. Over the last decade, there have been dozens of cases where an attorney for a convict has dug into the case file and found untested DNA that could exonerate their client. However, when they ask the court to test the new evidence, judges say they do not have the power to force prosecutors to retest. If the CODIS system was open, government and judicial watchdog groups maintain that hundreds and maybe thousands of prisoners could substantiate their innocence. These massive DNA databases have been built by American taxpayer funds ever since the DNA Identification Act was passed in 1994, but if we find ourselves in trouble and our lawyer discovers DNA evidence that needs to be checked out, we are not allowed access. Currently only nine states (including Colorado, Ohio, and Maryland) grant defense attorneys access to DNA databases, but if suspects are innocent until proven guilty, why not level the playing field and give the defense a chance to prove their innocence?
Date of article: January 27, 2013
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Mark Lombard]
Citation:
Dimond, D. Rockland County Times Newspaper. Open up DNA Databases . Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www.rocklandtimes.com/2013/01/27/open-up-dna-databases-to-all/
