A match of DNA specimens provides only an inference. Depending on the quality of statistics presented and the number of genetic probes used, this inference can be weak or strong. An absolute identification using DNA technology requires the use of literally thousands of different probes in testing and comparison to account for all possible polymorphic sites in human DNA. From scientific and clinical perspectives, DNA technology is constantly scrutinized to assure compliance with accepted practices and procedures. Such scrutiny lends confidence in DNA testing, confidence that extends beyond the technology itself. Commercial DNA testing, however, lacks the same procedural safeguards to guarantee the accuracy of DNA typing techniques. The author criticizes DNA typing, particularly the need to standardize testing procedures and quality control, but does not conclude that DNA evidence cannot be used. The technology of DNA typing is described, and standards for the admission of DNA typing evidence are discussed. 165 footnotes