People v. Barney

Opinion

CHIN, J.

I. Introduction

These two appeals challenge the admissibility of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis evidence. The primary claim is that DNA analysis is a new scientific technique which does not meet the test of general acceptance prescribed by People v. Kelly (1976) 17 Cal. 3d 24 [130 Cal.Rptr. 144, 549 P.2d 1240] and Frye v. United States (D.C. Cir. 1923) 293 Fed. 1013. We conclude that one element of current DNA analysis—the determination of the statistical significance of a match between a defendant’s DNA and the DNA in bodily material found at the crime scene—does not…