DNA Statistical Evidence and the "Ceiling Principle: Science or Science Fiction
Abstract
This thesis examines the scientific foundation behind the National Research Council's "ceiling principle" method of calculating Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) statistical evidence. Use of DNA evidence is becoming widespread in criminal cases. DNA evidence has generally been admitted by state and federal courts under the test for "novel scientific evidence." However, the defense bar, citing several scientists, has attempted to thwart the acceptance of DNA statistical evidence under the Frye test. To resolve the issue, the National Research Council developed a compromise, known as the "ceiling principle." This method replaces the actual numbers used in calculating the DNA statistics with more conservative numbers based upon an assumption that the ethnic make-up of the defendant affects the statistics. This thesis finds that the scientific research overwhelmingly refutes the assumption underlying the "ceiling principle, making its use unnecessary and unwise. It concludes that the "ceiling principle" does not pass muster under the Federal Rules of Evidence, which the Supreme Court recently ruled control admission of all scientific evidence in federal courts; accordingly, evidence derived via the "ceiling principle" is inadmissible in federal courts and courts-martial.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA456707
Entities
People
- Douglas A. Dribben
Organizations
- The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School