03-05-2011, 06:52 PM
(03-05-2011, 05:26 PM)Methusala Wrote: Just a note about DNA. The latest statistics reflect that approximately 40%of births in the US occur outside of marriage. In almost all births outside of marriage, the assistance of the law is sought to either obtain government assistance to cover the costs of birthing expenses and living expenses and/or child support.
All such cases where government assistance by support or legal process is sought now require the taking of DNA from the mother, the child and the reputed father, even when the latter admits paternity (he sometimes turns out to be wrong!) and when more than one man is named, all the men are joined and required to submit to DNA. Usually by a simple buckle swab to the inside of the cheek.
Therefore, the DNA bank is growing larger by the day, and will soon likely include at least one person in the familial line for each member of the population.
In addition, if you have ever had any blood or tissue sample sent to a laboratory, a significant percentage are retained under slide. Which is just good medical practice, especially for example to follow the progress of so-called pre-cancer cells.
I do not consider any of this to be a so-called "invasion of privacy" simply because in each instance there is a triggering event which constitutes a legitimate waiver of the privilege, and it is leading and will continue to lead to many societal benefits, including the solving of cold case crimes, more convictions of persons rightfully accused of crime, more rapid convictions, less "pleading down" because of evidentiary problems, more innocent people being released from prisons or exonerated quicker in new cases, etc.
Thanks to DNA, many murderers now plead to first degree murder charges just to avoid the death penalty, in cases where the DA previously was willing to accept a plea to 2nd degree or even manslaughter.
I am not connected with law enforcement and never have been. But I have a healthy interest in society and the laws.
I beg to differ....I think you need Google "FATHER'S AFFIDAVIT/ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PATERNITY" which is a form offered at the time of birth, at the hospital.
Dad CAN admit paternity WITHOUT a paternity test by signing the affidavit....should he or the mother for that matter, change their mind and want a blood test, they have 60 days to recind the affidavit at Child Support.
Otherwise, a "Complaint to Vacate & Request Genetic Testing" has to be filed at the Juvenile Court and it is up to a Judge to (rule on the motion) decide if they can have a blood test.