Death Row and DNA Testing

Paper Summary:

The paper offers a brief background and overview of DNA testing and focuses on the perspective that DNA tests should be implemented to all death row inmates to lead to a more just and legal outcome. The paper discusses documented cases that have shown the efficacy and necessity of DNA testing but then looks at the arguments against DNA testing, focusing on the central argument that it can impinge on privacy rights. The paper argues that the case for DNA testing of death row inmates has far more ethical and moral weight than any opposing arguments.

Outline:
Introduction
Brief Background and Overview
The Argument Against DNA Testing
The Case for DNA Testing
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The view that DNA testing should be applied to all those convicted on crimes that result in a death row sentence is one that has been vigorously debated and contested. The view that supports DNA tests for those on death row is a perspective that is difficult to fault. Simply stated, the core reasoning that supports this view is that DNA testing can prevent unnecessary deaths in cases of those who have been unjustly convicted of crimes. "Stories about innocent individuals convicted of crimes while the actual perpetrators remain at large are becoming increasingly common in U.S. newspapers, magazines, and broadcast outlets." (Weinberg 76) "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carroll, Gwendolyn. "Proven Guilty: An Examination of the Penalty-Free World of Post-Conviction DNA Testing." Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology 97.2 (2007): 665+. Questia. 8 Oct. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5021769908>.
• Devine, Richard A. "Ultimate Punishment: A Lawyer's Reflections on Dealing with the Death Penalty." Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology 95.2 (2005): 637+. Questia. 8 Oct. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5009798237>.
• DNA Testing: The Justice Project. 8 Oct. 2008http://www.thejusticeproject.org/national/solution/expanding post conviction dna testing/
• "Fugitive Justice." The Nation 3 Mar. 1997: 4+. Questia. 8 Oct. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002226106>.
• Hammond, Sarah Brown. "Questioning Capital Punishment: DNA Has Been Used to Exonerate a Number of Death Cow Inmates, Calling into Question the Reliability of the System." State Legislatures Sept. 2005: 32+. Questia. 8 Oct. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5011210086>.

More papers on Death Row and DNA Testing:

• Argumentative Essay # 28587 : "DNA Testing on Death Row"
• Term Paper # 142827 : "Clearing Cold Cases With DNA Evidence"
• Analytical Essay # 144928 : "Mumia Abu-Jamal's "Live From Death Row"

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