What happens when sophisticated science becomes a star witness in a criminal proceeding? Just about anything. As DNA evidence becomes more commonplace in today’s courtrooms the outcome of a criminal trial can hinge on something as minute as a strand of hair or a drop of blood smaller than the head of a pin.

In the face of rapidly changing technology how accurate is DNA analysis? Are judges and lawyers falling behind in their ability to understand increasing amounts of scientific evidence? What is on the horizon for DNA analysis? These are just a few of the issues that will be explored when the DePaul University College of Law hosts a conference sponsored by the State Appellate Defender and the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. "Science in the Courtroom for the 21^st Century: Examining the Actual Policies and Practices of Forensic DNA," will begin at 8:15 a.m. May 14 at the DePaul Conference Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 8005.

Lawyers, scientists and criminal justice professionals will participate in this hands-on conference, which marks the first time a national group will come together to discuss the mechanisms of cutting-edge DNA technology. Actual cases will be used to illustrate such things as the use and misuse of forensic science, new trends in DNA analysis, the role of DNA evidence in criminal trials and the Post Trial DNA Act, which has been used to exonerate numerous wrongly convicted individuals.

"Now is the time for lawyers and judges to understand this new technology, before it runs them over," said Greg O’Reilly, criminal justice counsel for the Office of the Cook County public defender and a conference organizer. "This conference will help strip away some of the mystery surrounding DNA evidence and analysis. The justice system simply cannot function when crucial evidence is not understood by lawyers and judges."

The expert presenters include Frederick Whitehurst, a chemist and former forensic scientist for the FBI; John Kelly, co-author of "Tainting Evidence," which explored how evidence was used in several high-profile cases including the Ruby Ridge case; Allan Friedman of Helix Biotech, which specializes in DNA and biological analysis; and William Thompson, a professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, who in the past five years has been involved in the most significant legal cases involving DNA including the O.J. Simpson trial.

"The challenge of this conference will be to lay out the problems associated with using DNA as forensic evidence, and then look for ways to solve them," said Terrence Kiely, a law professor who directs DePaul’s Center for Law and Science.

The Center for Law and Science was established in 1998 to help promote dialogue on critical scientific issues in the law, such as DNA evidence. The center identifies, collects and analyzes important scientific literature, related trials and appellate reviews of criminal and civil cases that have science issues as important components. The center maintains a comprehensive website for communicating scientific and legal data at http://www.law.depaul.edu/cls.

The conference is free and open to the public. Reporters interested in attending call Valerie Phillips at 312/362-5039.