But even as prosecutors claim the testing is more accurate than older, state-approved methods, Whittey's lawyers say not enough is known about the instruments used in the method to justify using it as evidence. The hearing is scheduled to take four days. The defense will call witnesses to prove its stance later in the week. DNA is the genetic material of organisms. Because everyone has their own unique DNA, forensics experts have been able to use it like fingerprints to link individuals to crimes.
Experts can take DNA samples from anything from saliva to semen to hair to sweat.
When you couple those things it really becomes exclusive. Which is one reason defense attorneys have worked to fight the admissibility of different forms of such testing. DNA is just one other form of identification of proof. So far defense lawyers have had little luck excluding DNA technology. Pifer said he didn't know of one court that has excluded the new testing.