The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Interesting article about DNA from Israel

BillCA · August 19, 2009, 10:29 PM

DM,

I gathered that. The important point was that the Israeli company has a way to detect fraudulent DNA samples. That makes questioning the DNA sample something that can be proven or disproven, should it come down to that.

Depending on the DNA evidence, it only means the person was at the scene or location at some time. If this isn't denied -- i.e. he had a legitimate reason for being there - then it only confirms that he was there.¹

Some authors have raised the question of a crime allegedly committed by one of two identical twins and the use of DNA. The "local" twin was at a wedding rehearsal at the time of the crime while his brother took his own family out to dinner at the time of the crime. And neither admitted to being at the scene. Fun puzzle for who-dunit fans.

¹ Certain DNA evidence can imply participation in the crime, such as in sexual crimes. Finding hair or small amounts of skin samples at the scene doesn't, alone, always imply involvement.

August 19, 2009, 10:29 PM	#7
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,117	DM, I gathered that. The important point was that the Israeli company has a way to detect fraudulent DNA samples. That makes questioning the DNA sample something that can be proven or disproven, should it come down to that. Depending on the DNA evidence, it only means the person was at the scene or location at some time. If this isn't denied -- i.e. he had a legitimate reason for being there - then it only confirms that he was there.¹ Some authors have raised the question of a crime allegedly committed by one of two identical twins and the use of DNA. The "local" twin was at a wedding rehearsal at the time of the crime while his brother took his own family out to dinner at the time of the crime. And neither admitted to being at the scene. Fun puzzle for who-dunit fans. ¹ Certain DNA evidence can imply participation in the crime, such as in sexual crimes. Finding hair or small amounts of skin samples at the scene doesn't, alone, always imply involvement. __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately)