I have read reports from several years past stating that DNA can be obtained from a latent fingerprint. I have not found any recent work on the subject. Do people think it is still feasible and usable in a court of law?
I was surprised that the answer is yes. However, they are very subject to contamination, the DNA yield is low, and the success rate of DNA extraction is variable. Defense lawyers could easily have the evidence dismissed due to these concerns.
I was surprised that the answer is yes. However, they are very subject to contamination, the DNA yield is low, and the success rate of DNA extraction is variable. Defense lawyers could easily have the evidence dismissed due to these concerns.