Supreme Court Will Decide on Collection of DNA

In 2013, the Supreme Court will decide whether it is legal for law enforcement to collect DNA samples from people under arrest, but not yet convicted of the crime.  There are currently 27 states and the federal government that have laws allowing these laws as they help to solve old cases and provide public safety.  But, justices will review a verdict made in Maryland court in which law enforcement could not collect DNA from suspects who have not yet been convicted of a crime.  In 2009, Maryland began collect samples from those arrested for violent crimes.  Alonzo King Jr. was arrested during that time for assault and police collected his DNA.  Kings DNA matched the DNA of a rapist from a rape, which took place in 2003.  As a result, King was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.  However, King stated that the collection of his DNA before conviction violated the Fourth Amendment.  The highest court agreed with Kings views and his conviction was overturned.  Jesse Holland of the Associated Press stated “The federal appeals courts have so far side with the police on this issue, who say the samples contribute to a database that helps law enforcement.”  State of Maryland has appealed the courts decision and the Supreme Court will review the case in 2013.

Check out the full article here.

Date of Article: November 12, 2012

[Abstract by David Miller, ForensIQ Intern, December 5, 2012]

 

Citation

Holland, Jesse. “Supreme Court Will Decide on Collection of DNA Samples.” Forensic Magazine. 12 Nov. 2012. Web. 05 Dec. 2012.