Forensic science still has a long way to go before it can be considered as a science of high degree of certainty. Although it has been beneficial to a certain extent especially with regards to DNA forensics technique which, I will be discussing further in this essay. It nonetheless, has significant implications, forensic science is prone to errors due to analytical and structural defect. Furthermore, most crime labs are not accredited, although there is a choice of being accredited it is not mandatory. Consequently, the dangers of forensic science are owing to the aforementioned factors. In my essay I will be discussing these dangers which include miscarriages of justice which, in essence is a primary danger. Following from this is the financial
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In addition to this, DNA technology has also unveiled flaws in other forensic sciences such as bite-marks and hair follicle identification, it has also unmasked weaknesses and corruption in the way crimes are investigated. (fisher). In 2007, 190 prisoners nationally were exonerated by DNA testing and released from prison. Moreover, in Florida simply, DNA has cleared twenty-five men who were awaiting the death penalty. The Innocence Project at the Cardozo School of Law in New York and related institutions widespread in the United States have also aided many people on death row through the usage of DNA. For example, The Innocence Project was able to clear ‘311 cases of post-conviction exoneration brought about by DNA testing.’ The Innocence Project calculated that the average sentence served in those cases was about thirteen years, with eighteen people given Capital punishment before DNA was able to ascertain their innocence. These example highlights the great benefits of DNA as forensic science. (page 290 RR) However, inferring from the number of prisoners rescued by DNA evidence, it is not irrational to conclude that thousands of wrongfully convicted prisoners whose cases that does not possess the essentials DNA exoneration remain in
In addition to this, DNA technology has also unveiled flaws in other forensic sciences such as bite-marks and hair follicle identification, it has also unmasked weaknesses and corruption in the way crimes are investigated. (fisher). In 2007, 190 prisoners nationally were exonerated by DNA testing and released from prison. Moreover, in Florida simply, DNA has cleared twenty-five men who were awaiting the death penalty. The Innocence Project at the Cardozo School of Law in New York and related institutions widespread in the United States have also aided many people on death row through the usage of DNA. For example, The Innocence Project was able to clear ‘311 cases of post-conviction exoneration brought about by DNA testing.’ The Innocence Project calculated that the average sentence served in those cases was about thirteen years, with eighteen people given Capital punishment before DNA was able to ascertain their innocence. These example highlights the great benefits of DNA as forensic science. (page 290 RR) However, inferring from the number of prisoners rescued by DNA evidence, it is not irrational to conclude that thousands of wrongfully convicted prisoners whose cases that does not possess the essentials DNA exoneration remain in