Supreme Court considers Maryland's DNA case
July 31, 2012
Maryland: Authorities in Maryland will still be allowed to collect DNA samples from people arrested and charged with certain crimes.[1]
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily blocked the ruling that barred police from collecting the DNA samples, saying that the case will most likely be considered by the Supreme Court, who may decide to reverse the ruling, allowing police the right to collect and retain DNA samples. Until the Supreme Court comes to a decision on the ruling, Maryland police will still be allowed to collect the DNA until further instruction is given.[1]
Chief Justice John Roberts strongly believes the Supreme Court will take the case, as the decision conflicts with other courts' decisions that are being upheld by similar laws. That state of Maryland's choice to bar police from collecting DNA samples has many effects outside the state, and is another good reason as to why the Supreme Court should strongly consider the case.[1]
Chief Justice John Roberts commented on this fact, saying, "Because the DNA samples Maryland collects may otherwise be eligible for the FBI's national DNA database, the decision renders the database less effective for other States and the Federal Government."[1] "Considered analysis" of other courts upholding similar laws make it a very good chance that the Supreme Court will be reversing Maryland's decision. However, nothing can be sure until the Maryland DNA case is considered.[1]
Maryland has been collecting samples since 2009 from arrested suspects for certain crimes committed, many of these including violence. This job was an expansion on an earlier practice, in which only DNA samples were obtained from those convicted. Since the expansion, the state of Maryland has acquired more than 33,700 DNA samples, in which a swab was used to collect saliva.[1]
These swabs have led to over 42 arrests and 13 convictions, making a very good point unto the usefulness of this practice.[1]
See also
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