Identical twins - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

tekaweni · 10-12-2003, 04:40 AM

Say one of a pair of identical twins commits a murder and the only evidence is DNA, like a hair or something.

Now they have identical DNA, the evidence proves that one of them must have done it, and naturally they both deny everything.

What should (or could) a jury do?

This same problem could apply to just about anything, paternity suits etc.

mr sticky · 10-12-2003, 05:45 AM

Even in identical twins, fingerprints are unique.

Motives would also aid in the investigations.

Alibis come into play as well.

Rarely do police rely just on DNA evidence, secondary to the fact that they have to catch the bad guy to test the DNA.

White Cluster · 10-12-2003, 10:53 AM

Yeah...I can't see that being too difficult of a case.
The whereabouts of the two twins, one could have been committing the murder while the other was at a bar with friends...
Little things that make the whole identical twins thing not a factor.

Lebell · 10-12-2003, 11:40 AM

Going with what I think the original premise is, i.e. there is no other evidence, then both twins would be set free.

It is apart of our jurisprudence that it is better for a guilty man to go free than an innocent man to go to jail.

In this case, the principle applied would be "reasonable doubt".

But in reality, there is always other evidence to use.

tekaweni · 10-12-2003, 12:46 PM

Lebell I think you answered it best, ie "jurisprudence that it is better for a guilty man to go free than an innocent man to go to jail".

How about switching this to the claim a lady might make against the twins, having had both as lovers within the necessary period and seeking financial support from the responsible one.

Who pays child maintenance? I guess the state does as neither twin can be proved to be the father? Or is this a good case for application of Solomon's wisdom ie they share responsibility, which is obviously contrary to law but makes good sense to me.

bermuDa · 10-12-2003, 11:56 PM

they simply apply the evil twin test. check to see which side the scar is on

10-12-2003, 04:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
tekaweni It wasnt me Location: Scotland	Identical twins Say one of a pair of identical twins commits a murder and the only evidence is DNA, like a hair or something. Now they have identical DNA, the evidence proves that one of them must have done it, and naturally they both deny everything. What should (or could) a jury do? This same problem could apply to just about anything, paternity suits etc. __________________ If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten

10-12-2003, 05:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
mr sticky Psycho Location: NC	Even in identical twins, fingerprints are unique. Motives would also aid in the investigations. Alibis come into play as well. Rarely do police rely just on DNA evidence, secondary to the fact that they have to catch the bad guy to test the DNA. __________________ The sad thing is... as you get older you come to realize that you don't so much pilot your life, as you just try to hold on, in a screaming, defiant ball of white-knuckle anxious fury

10-12-2003, 11:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
Lebell Cracking the Whip Location: Sexymama's arms...	Going with what I think the original premise is, i.e. there is no other evidence, then both twins would be set free. It is apart of our jurisprudence that it is better for a guilty man to go free than an innocent man to go to jail. In this case, the principle applied would be "reasonable doubt". But in reality, there is always other evidence to use. __________________ "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." – C. S. Lewis The ONLY sponsors we have are YOU! Please Donate!

10-12-2003, 12:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
tekaweni It wasnt me Location: Scotland	Lebell I think you answered it best, ie "jurisprudence that it is better for a guilty man to go free than an innocent man to go to jail". How about switching this to the claim a lady might make against the twins, having had both as lovers within the necessary period and seeking financial support from the responsible one. Who pays child maintenance? I guess the state does as neither twin can be proved to be the father? Or is this a good case for application of Solomon's wisdom ie they share responsibility, which is obviously contrary to law but makes good sense to me. __________________ If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten

10-12-2003, 11:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
bermuDa don't ignore this--> Location: CA	they simply apply the evil twin test. check to see which side the scar is on __________________ I am the very model of a moderator gentleman.

10-12-2003, 10:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
White Cluster Addict	Yeah...I can't see that being too difficult of a case. The whereabouts of the two twins, one could have been committing the murder while the other was at a bar with friends... Little things that make the whole identical twins thing not a factor.