An Evaluation of the Application of DNA Technology in Forensic Science

The Board on Biology of the National Research Council's Commission on Life Sciences is conducting a study of standards for forensic DNA typing. The development of recombinant DNA and other laboratory techniques to analyze complex genomes has resulted in an increasing array of procedures that have potential forensic applications. What once were basic laboratory techniques used to study genetic variability are now being used to link suspected criminals to crimes and to resolve paternity disputes. The potential also exists for developing computer databases consisting of information on an individual's DNA characteristics. Such a database could be used in a manner similar to established fingerprint databases. Issues surrounding the suitability of these techniques for forensic and other law enforcement purposes, including the general applicability of these techniques for forensic purposes, the need for acceptable standards, the development and application of supporting technology and instrumentation, an understanding of the statistics and population genetics required in interpreting DNA typing data, and the societal, legal, and ethical implications should be evaluated.