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Andrews V. State Of FLORIDA: A Case Study

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A case study includes analysis of a particular criminal case or event that took place and is significant due to a number of reasons. A case study helps us learn about a particular type of case and how such a case is to be approached , how the results of the case are obtained and what it’s final outcome in terms of legal decisions is. A case study helps us form a more practical idea of theoretical things by giving us an example of a real life scenario. The following is a case study to make us understand about the importance of DNA sequencing to solve a crime case.

THE CASE OF ANDREWS ( ANDREWS v. STATE OF FLORIDA, 1988)

Case Details: Tommie Lee Andrews was accused of more than twenty assaults in 1986 around the area of Orlando. After that, …show more content…

He then grasped her mouth with his hands and asked her to be silent and threatened to kill her if she did not listen to him. He forced vaginal intercourse on his victim. The victim had been cut at several places of her body due to her struggles because of the razor that Andrews had held. Andrews also stole her purse following the rape. The purse contained 40 US dollars. The victim had not been able to see the face of Andrews. She could only recollect a strong man of considerably dark complexion grabbing her mouth from …show more content…

Following this case, DNA fingerprinting result analysis became accepted as a potential evidence in Florida. The judge himself stated that he had found the methods of DNA being used as evidence reliable enough to allow it to be used as evidence in course of future. It was concluded that the DNA evidence was properly admitted. The testimony had been that if DNA testing procedures were erroneous, it would give no result at all instead of an incorrect result. But, results were obtained here. Further, control samples were used which would enable the detection of errors in the procedure. The jury decided that these proved the reliability of the methods of DNA analysis. It was also concluded that DNA fingerprinting test results were much more reliable as compared to methods like polygraph testing, hypnosis, intake of truth serum etc. because of the scientific principles and procedures followed in this

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