Commonwealth v. Blasioli

OPINION

SAYLOR, Justice.

We allowed appeal to determine whether evidence of statistical probabilities calculated using the product rule is admissible at trial in a criminal case to assist the trier of fact in assessing the probative significance of a deoxyribonucleic acid (“DNA”) match. We agree with the trial court and the Superior Court that the product rule, as applied in DNA forensic analysis, is generally accepted in the relevant scientific communities and that such evidence therefore meets the standard for admissibility.

In May, 1993, J.D. was assaulted and raped. The crimes occurred late…