There was recently a trial nearby that relied heavily on DNA evidence. The thing that I find a little bit disturbing is how DNA testing seems to be considered as absolutely foolproof. If a lab test shows that someone's DNA was found somewhere it is like the Word of God.
I remember when lie detectors, or polygraphs, were where DNA is now, considered as practically infallible. For my first job where I got a paycheck I had to go and take a polygraph test. Getting hired depended on passing the test.
Polygraphs have since fallen out of favor. It is widely recognized that they are not 100% accurate and polygraph test results are usually not admissible as evidence in court.
A hundred years ago if a murder victim had their eyes open a close-up photo was taken of their eyes. It was believed that the last thing a person saw would be imprinted on their eyes. That belief has obviously long since fallen by the wayside.
I cannot help wondering if a day will come when it is realized that DNA testing is not quite as accurate as we thought it was.
No comments:
Post a Comment