Lincoln Attorney to Discuss DNA Evidence with Forensic Science Students

UNL Forensic Science - DNA

February 19, 2014

As part of the FORS 200 - Forensic Seminar guest lecture series, Jerry Soucie, a Lincoln-area Attorney, came to discuss the importance and use of DNA evidence in the court of law.

Since 1999, when use of DNA evidence became more prevalent in criminal cases, Soucie has taken it upon himself to become educated in and stay up with developments in DNA analysis techniques and technologies.  As a defense attorney, it has become imperative to know the ins and outs of this evidence.  Soucie mentioned that at this point, the science of DNA is solid and lawyers should not go after the credibility of DNA.  He believes that forensics experts now raise the credibility of the evidence with their testimony.

One concern Soucie indicated was that DNA evidence can be almost too accurate and sensitive.  Currently, it doesn’t take much DNA to get a profile and secondary transfers (shaking hands, air handlers, etc.) can contaminate the evidence and therefore require more secure analysis processes.