York's Osgoode Hall Law School to host

cutting-edge symposium on forensic DNA evidence

TORONTO, December 2, 2004 -- The DNA Databank, DNA search warrants, and international exchange of search warrants are on the list of hot-button topics to be addressed at The Sixth Annual Canadian Symposium on Forensic DNA Evidence, hosted by York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School.

“DNA evidence is fast becoming an indispensable element of criminal law practice, both for defense lawyers as well as prosecutors. That`s why this symposium attracts so many leading lawyers and scholars on the subject from across the country as well as internationally,” says Patrick J. Monahan, Dean of York’s Osgoode Hall Law School.

“The symposium will be delving into some very controversial issues, including whether or not DNA should be surrendered upon arrest, and issues of international exchange of DNA,” says symposium co-chair Ricardo G. Federico. “There’s going to be a lot of new and exciting material for both the legal and scientific communities.”

Billed as the leading symposium on forensic DNA evidence in North America, and the only of its kind in Canada, the symposium brings together internationally recognized experts from the fields of science and law.

Participants will also discuss new developments surrounding forensic DNA field collection, and strategies in presenting and challenging DNA evidence.

 

What: The Sixth Annual Canadian Symposium on Forensic DNA Evidence: New Developments

 

When: Saturday, December 4, 2004, 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

 

Where: Osgoode Professional Development Centre, 1 Dundas Street West, Suite 2600, Toronto

 

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

Melissa Hughes, Media Relations Officer, York University, 416-736-2100 x22097