× Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø

As we move forward with technological change, legal precedent and a forensic self-confidence almost to the point of taking DNA typing for granted, a retrospective may be a sobering means to evaluate our progress. Much has been accomplished since the early 1980’s, but has this rapidly evolving forensic tool yielded the benefits that were initially anticipated, implemented and eventually delivered? What is our report card on casework success, training issues, courtroom acceptance versus expectation and the overall goal of good delivery? As we graduate to new horizons, many old issues that were once controversial appear to be either solved or forgotten. In our quest for harnessing new forensic tools while wrestling fundamental issues, have we become the victims or champions of technology and applied genetics? Is there closure with DNA and when does forensic reality become accepted?