The federal government is considering a move to collect DNA samples from suspects upon arrest for certain crimes, a significant expansion of current DNA databank laws that is raising concerns for criminal defence lawyers and civil-rights advocates.
Defence lawyers and civil liberties advocates warn that the collection of DNA upon arrest could result in innocent people having their DNA stored – even after they are found not guilty or criminal charges against them are dropped.
“It’s really sort of cataloging the innocent. Until someone is found guilty, the presumption of innocence really has to mean something,” said William Trudell, who chairs of the Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers.
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