[webstersII]

Then why is DNA becoming the gold standard for LE to prosecute cases in court? Seems like your info would give the defense lots of grist for the mill of "reasonable doubt".

[Black Agnes]

Mainly because the majority of people on a jury are scientifically illiterate. The prosecutors know this. They get rid of any 'troublemakers' during voir dire. I've done jury duty as have my scientific colleagues. Attorneys *never* pick scientists to serve on a jury. Just tell them you're a PhD in science and they hit the eject button. Besides, we all *know* that DNA is foolproof, right?

The PCR kit isn't widely known outside of scientific circles...yet. Kind of like the little machines that make 'new' DL's. No great need for them until having a DL became proof of identity.

[APBaer]

"give the defense lots of grist for the mill of "reasonable doubt"

We know from other threads that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have been caught from time to time faking evidence.

The problem arises when the unrelated Town of Goodness puts Police Technician Jones on the stand because you cannot impeach him with the bad acts of others.

You can't say we know that x, and we know that Y were introducing phoney evidence. Judge wouldn't allow that because it does not relate to, or show any indication that Jones would do the same.