A recent study conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem sheds light on the impact of DNA profiles on prosecutorial decisions in the criminal justice system.
In the pursuit of justice, law enforcement agencies heavily rely on forensic evidence, with DNA testing constituting the cornerstone of modern investigations. While the scientific and technological advancements in DNA testing have been extensively studied, there is scant evidence regarding how the availability of DNA evidence influences prosecutors’ decisions to move cases forward.
To address this knowledge gap, the research team created a unique database by combining data from the Forensics Division of the Israel Police, which documented the presence or absence of DNA profiles in criminal cases (n = 9862), with data on each case’s subsequent indictment decision from 2008 to 2019.
This extensive dataset’s analysis yielded significant insights into the impact of DNA evidence on criminal prosecutions. The researchers discovered that roughly 15% of all criminal cases presented to the prosecutor’s office were ultimately prosecuted. In stark contrast, the criminal justice system advanced approximately 55% of cases with DNA profiles. This effect demonstrates the significant influence DNA evidence has on the decisions of prosecutors.
The findings highlight the significance of using a scientific approach to prosecute offenders, recognising the value DNA evidence brings to the criminal justice system. However, the researchers caution against the indiscriminate use of DNA evidence and emphasise the necessity of prudence. DNA evidence is a potent tool, but it is not infallible; therefore, its use in the legal system must be carefully considered. The study encourages a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of DNA evidence while acknowledging its limitations.
This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations, specifically highlighting the impact of DNA profiles on prosecution decisions in Israel. The findings have implications for law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and policymakers involved in the pursuit of justice.
The study, titled “ The role of DNA in criminal indictments in Israel" was published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/1556-4029.15327
The research team consisted of Esther Buchnik, Institute of Criminology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Prof. Barak Ariel Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Prof. Avi Domb Faculty of Medicine and the Institute of Criminology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Nir Treves Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Dr. Ron Gafny, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police.
Methodology: The records examined were from 2008-2019. Over the study period, the average rate of indictment in all cases was approximately 15.1%, with a relatively stable variance [standard deviation (SD) of 0.8%]. However, 45.9% of criminal cases with DNA were subsequently indicted, with a steady yet clear increase over time (from 26.3% to 53.6% in 2019; SD = 11.8%).
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 80 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has received over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 77th according to the Shanghai Ranking, making it the top-ranked Israeli institution. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en