2009 News of the Nation - DNA Test Not a Right
Updated August 5, 2020 |
Infoplease Staff
Major U.S. news stories from the recession to same-sex marriage
Same-Sex Marriage Legislation | Obama's First Year | First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice | Fort Hood Shooting | Economy in Turmoil | Health-Care Reform Tops Agenda DNA Test Not a Right, Supreme Court RulesIn June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prisoners do not have the right to request DNA testing to prove their innocence long after they are convicted of a crime. The majority of the members of the Court claimed that since 44 states already have laws in effect concerning post-conviction DNA testing, a federal law is unnecessary. However, Alaska, the state at the center of the case, does not have such a law. The minority opinion said DNA evidence is a part of due process, which means inmates are entitled to the information. For more information on the U.S. Supreme Court: |
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