Why DNA Tests Are So Important

From the blog : "The Wretched of the Earth"

Why DNA Tests Are So Important

Exonerations are one obvious reason courts should grant DNA tests as a general rule. If someone says they were wrongfully convicted and DNA can prove their innocence, I can't think of one good reason not to grant the test. But exonerations are just one reason to grant DNA tests. DNA can reaffirm a defendant's guilt too. This time, that's just what it did.

“The recent DNA results in the Culberson [Henry] case further emphasize that post-conviction DNA testing not only frees the wrongfully convicted periodically, but equally important, it reaffirms guilt of violent crimes in many cases,” district attorney Craig Watkins said in a statement.

Watkins has been roundly praised for his efforts to clean up the mess left to him by his predecessors. His DNA policy is yet another good policy. For innocent suspects and grieving victims alike.