This is an article raising the question against the reliability of DNA analysis in some of the crime scene investigations. DNA is only as reliable as the humans testing it. This is specifically referring to a controversial Virginia case that shows the possibility faulty judicial cases. This also shows the importance of independent and very careful conduction of DNA testing. The Virginia crime laboratory has demonstrated this in an error ridden death row case that was propped up repeatedly by botched DNA studies. The state governor has wisely ordered a review of more than 150 capital murder convictions involving DNA evidence. This was after an independent panel has found that that bad science and political intrusion have underpinned the imprisonment of a mentally retarded man who came within days of execution for a vicious rape murder. After years of controversy and defensive denials by police and statehouse officials on this person’s case, an independent DNA testing, involving the reexamination of evidences from the crime scene under a powerful microscope, was forced by outside critics to review the case. According to reports and on this article, this DNA analysis not only cleared the suspected murderer, but it also has positively identified another suspect now in prison as the source of DNA evidence at the murder scene. Doubts and blame surfaced as people complain and criticize that the state lab had done a proper job with the latest technology to prevent such instances of grave misunderstanding. Specialists from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors criticized the lab and view the said erroneous judicial incident as one that should serve as a nationwide warning about the often shoddy and unprofessional standards that can afflict the criminal justice system via the crime labs of America. For openers, according to the article, scientific peers must keep the labs independent and subject to credible review. Law from the sort of political pressures should also insulate them. The article also points out that the state of Virginia was once hailed as a role model by other state crime labs. Ironically, however, at the present, many people believe that its dangerous flaws must serve as a recipe for badly needed improvements. Read the entire article