Court Opinion

ID: 9690068
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 18:52:48.659584+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:18:53.435200
License: Public Domain

GARDEBRING, Justice
(concurring specially).
I concur in the result reached by the majority opinion, that both expert opinion evidence as to the strength of the match between the samples, and the random match probability statistics which underlie the opinion, may be admitted. I write separately, however, because I am less reluctant than the majority to see the evidence admitted. The techniques for the formulation of DNA evidence, including the underlying statistics as to probability of a match, have been refined extensively over the last decade, and are now quite reliable. In 1994 the work of trial courts, and defense counsel, in appraising the foundation for such expert testimony, in evaluating the quality of laboratory analy-ses underlying the expert opinion and in explaining the use of such evidence to a jury, appears to be no more difficult with regard to this evidence than it would be as to any other type of complex technical material, which is often in evidence in both civil and criminal matters. DNA analysis provides a strong tool for law enforcement in identifying alleged perpetrators of criminal activity and bringing them to trial — both the expert opinion and the underlying statistical bases should be readily used.
However, because it is such a strong tool, its use should be structured in such a way as to give criminal defendants a meaningful opportunity to respond, and I am concerned that the majority opinion gives short shrift to that need. First, trial courts in cases involving DNA opinion and statistical evidence must assure that the provisions of Minn. R.Crim.P. 9.01 are stringently enforced so that defense counsel may have notice, as early as possible in the preparation of the case, that the prosecution will attempt to use this powerful tool. Secondly, law enforce*170ment personnel are reminded that division and preservation of samples, so that defense counsel may obtain independent analysis, is critical in these cases. Third, the trial court must be sensitive to the need for expert assistance in these matters and must assure public funding for this expert assistance where the defendant is indigent.
Finally, I wish to note my concern with the majority’s treatment of the issue of jury instructions. It may be the ordinary course for the development of jury instructions to occur on a case-by-case basis, as trial courts struggle with the issue and experiment with alternative formulations which are then subject to review by appellate courts. However, here, because of the powerful nature of the evidence, and because of the potential for misunderstanding by the jury, I conclude that some direction as to an acceptable jury instruction is needed now. Therefore, I join in the portion of Justice Page’s special concurrence which identifies the matters to be covered by an appropriate cautionary instruction.