Miscarriage of justice leads to plan for reform

THE Vincent report examined how DNA evidence caused a miscarriage of justice in the Farah Jama case and recommended changes:

THE Vincent report examined how DNA evidence caused a miscarriage of justice in the Farah Jama case and recommended changes:

• The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine should improve its practices to meet national and international standards.
• It should immediately introduce sealed sexual assault examination kits and reduce the number of forensic examination units in hospitals from six to two.
• Victoria Police and the institute should review DNA collection, transportation and storage procedures.
• The institute should provide a full report to police on the history of a DNA sample, where it was collected, and by whom it was taken, for every future case.
• If there are any concerns brought up by police or the institute during an investigation that the DNA may be contaminated, defence counsel should be notified.
• Police training in the area of DNA should be reviewed and should include the limitations of DNA, especially when it is significant or the only evidence against an accused.
• Lawyers should be trained by their professional bodies in the use of DNA in cases.
• The Director of Public Prosecution has directed that all cases depending solely on DNA should be referred to him for consideration.