Recently, DNA testing becoming available for future death row inmates was the subject of an article in the Collegian. With this proposed bill, inmates would have the option of DNA testing, which may produce new important evidence. Consequently, this new evidence may lead to a possible re-examination of their cases.

Being in an age of advanced technology, one possible argument to support this bill would be that since we have the ability of DNA testing, why not use it? I agree with DNA testing being used in trials, but after their convictions criminals should not be given the benefit of using it in the future.

A jury or a judge has decided that they are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they were truly innocent it would have been clear through evidence. Innocent until proven guilty is what the law in this country declares. These criminals were given their shot and were proven guilty. They had their chance to prove their innocence and if they could not do that through their trial, then they don't deserve a second chance to try prove it later; definitely not at the cost of the state.

Furthermore, there is another side to this situation also, the victim's side. In the Pledge of Allegiance the last line states "With liberty and justice for all." This bill would be sacrificing justice at the victim's expense. As a victim, I would want to know that the person who committed a crime against me or against someone close to me is going to suffer the consequences for their actions. If DNA testing after conviction becomes an actual law, this will leave victims of these criminals' actions wondering if they will always have a feeling of security and closure.

Fortunately there is still time to fight this bill. Write letters to your representatives strongly expressing your disapproval, protest against this cause and stand up for your right to be served justice in this country. With DNA testing used in trials criminals have the opportunity to prove their innocence therefore being served justice. However, once found guilty, DNA testing should no longer be available to the criminal thus serving justice to the victims and their families. It's your right; don't let the government take it away.