FDC Legal & Ethical Issues in DNA 4

Question 1

What legal issue arises when a DNA profile from a genealogy database (e.g., GEDmatch) is used to identify a suspect without their direct knowledge or consent?

Accepted Answer

Potential Fourth Amendment and privacy law concerns regarding third-party database access

Answer

Using consumer genealogy databases for law enforcement investigations raises Fourth Amendment questions and may conflict with the platforms' terms of service and users' privacy expectations.

Question 2

A suspect's DNA profile is uploaded to CODIS but later determined to be ineligible for the database (e.g., a misdemeanor-only offense in a state that prohibits such uploads). What must occur?

Accepted Answer

The profile must be expunged from the database

Answer

Profiles ineligible under applicable state or federal law must be expunged from CODIS to maintain legal compliance, even if investigative leads were already generated.

Question 3

Which doctrine holds that evidence derived from an unlawful search or seizure—including DNA evidence—may be excluded from trial?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C

Answer

The exclusionary rule bars illegally obtained evidence, and the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine extends this bar to derivative evidence, both potentially excluding unlawfully gathered DNA.

Question 4

What is the ethical obligation of a forensic DNA analyst who discovers potential misconduct or evidence tampering by a colleague?

Accepted Answer

Immediately report the concern through appropriate institutional and accreditation channels

Answer

Professional ethics codes in forensic science require analysts to report suspected misconduct to supervisors and, where appropriate, accreditation bodies, to protect the integrity of the justice system.

Question 5

In the context of DNA evidence and post-conviction review, which organization has been instrumental in using DNA testing to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals?

Accepted Answer

The Innocence Project

Answer

The Innocence Project is a nonprofit legal organization that uses DNA testing to seek exoneration for wrongfully convicted individuals and advocates for criminal justice reform.

(FDC) Forensic DNA Certification Practice Test

(FDC) Forensic DNA Certification Practice Test

FDC Legal & Ethical Issues in DNA 4