DNA profiling as a means of establishing paternity in South African law.

Abstract

The pathetic cry 'Who is my father?' has been asked time and again the world over. Discovery of paternity, linked as it is with the processes - legal and scientific - of establishing the alleged father's relationship on a balance of probabilities is a very real problem in the field of family law in South Africa. Blood tests have proved to be one aid in its solution. However, the application of such tests carry with them their own specific difficulties, most notable from the point of view of the lawyer is the extent of the authority of the court to order such tests, the interpretation of the test results and the role and emphasis that should be given to the results of the blood tests in the final determination of each case. Lawyers have to be wary and avoid falling into the trap of the layman who has the distinct tendency to accept unquestionably anything backed by scientific authority.