Finally, human error and DNA contamination is a huge concern for ALL free individual’s DNA. Eric Lander in 1990 founded a new center for Genome research at Whitehead, as well as, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Eric Lander has been an expert advisor for the defense on many cases. From Lander’s first hand personal experiences as an expert witness on various court cases, he felt compelled to express his observations of the flaws with DNA fingerprinting identification. Lander’s stated, (1989)
It is my belief that we, the scientific community have failed to set rigorous standards to which courts, attorneys, and forensic-testing laboratories can look for guidance--- with the result that some of the conclusions presented to courts are quite unreliable.(p.501)
The following court cases Eric Lander was an expert witness for and is examples of human error not only made by technician’s accidentally using contaminated probes, but in addition, …show more content…
Neysmith, A rape victim identifies her assailant as Hamilton Neysmith. Charged with rape Neysmith declares his innocence and submits a blood sample along with a semen sample to Lifecodes Corporation which is a forensic DNA testing facility for comparison. Lifecodes reports an exclusion stating the sample may not have been Neysmith’s. Even after the courts make a second attempt with a court order, the Lifecodes still declares the samples are from different individuals. Neysmith still maintaining his innocence, demands a third blood test to be tested. “Neysmith was finally exonerated after blood and semen samples were sent to Cellmark diagnostics which confirmed the original exclusion.” (Lander, 1989, p. 505) Assistant district attorney Karen Yaremko questioned Lifecodes about their differences in DNA results from Cellmark, Lifecodes commented a mistake had occurred and refused further comment. This case is an example of human error or laboratory mistake which almost cost Neysmith his
It is my belief that we, the scientific community have failed to set rigorous standards to which courts, attorneys, and forensic-testing laboratories can look for guidance--- with the result that some of the conclusions presented to courts are quite unreliable.(p.501)
The following court cases Eric Lander was an expert witness for and is examples of human error not only made by technician’s accidentally using contaminated probes, but in addition, …show more content…
Neysmith, A rape victim identifies her assailant as Hamilton Neysmith. Charged with rape Neysmith declares his innocence and submits a blood sample along with a semen sample to Lifecodes Corporation which is a forensic DNA testing facility for comparison. Lifecodes reports an exclusion stating the sample may not have been Neysmith’s. Even after the courts make a second attempt with a court order, the Lifecodes still declares the samples are from different individuals. Neysmith still maintaining his innocence, demands a third blood test to be tested. “Neysmith was finally exonerated after blood and semen samples were sent to Cellmark diagnostics which confirmed the original exclusion.” (Lander, 1989, p. 505) Assistant district attorney Karen Yaremko questioned Lifecodes about their differences in DNA results from Cellmark, Lifecodes commented a mistake had occurred and refused further comment. This case is an example of human error or laboratory mistake which almost cost Neysmith his