APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

We granted the defendant’s application for permission to appeal in order to determine whether the trial court abused its discretion1 in admitting testimony concerning the results of a certain method of DNA analysis. While we have previously considered the admission of the results of DNA analysis using the “restriction fragment length polymorphism” (RFLP) method, we address for the first time the admission of testimony regarding DNA analysis using the “polymerase chain reaction” (PCR) method. PCR is to be distinguished from RFLP, the method more statistically precise and firmly established in both the scientific and legal community. After a jury-out hearing, the trial court admitted expert testimony about the results of the PCR analysis performed on the defendant’s clothing, and the Court of Criminal Appeals upheld the trial court’s determination.

This is an action for damages for personal injuries allegedly occurring on April 9, 1993 in the early evening, when the vehicle operated by the plaintiff was struck by a vehicle operated by the defendant. Upon trial, a jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff establishing damages at $8,445.00 and further determined that defendant was 51% at fault for the accident. The Trial Judge approved the verdict and plaintiffs have appealed.

This appeal is from a summary judgment granted to plaintiff against defendants by the Trial Judge. Essentially, defendants insist that the record contains evidence of misrepresentations of the value of the property by plaintiff’s agents, which was 1Triggs’ and Childers’ earlier affidavits apparently claim that Stooksbury showed them both Smith appraisals. Their later affidavits, however, refer only to the second Smith appraisal. 2 purchased by defendants, and that these representations are actionable under their counter-claims.

This is a medical malpractice action brought by Deryl and Polly Glasner individually and as parents and next friend of Cody Glasner, who was born October 6, 1991.1 As winnowed by pleadings, the surviving claim is on behalf of Cody, who was born brain dead. The parents of Cody conceded that their individual claims were time-barred.  This condition is known as a prolapsed cord. His resuscitation is alleged to have been contrary to the prevailing standard of care in this jurisdiction, since he had no reasonable prospect for a qualitative life.

The parental rights of Yvonne Bardin were terminated by the Juvenile Court of Hamilton County and she appeals. Four (4) children are involved. The issue presented for review is whether the evidence is clear and convincing. We find that it is and affirm.