DNA Analysis

DNA Analysis

Outline

Introduction

This paper intends to explore the concept of DNA. Further, it examines the DNA testing techniques, development of DNA database and its use. Moreover, how DNA samples are used as evidence is also explained.

Specialized Processes to Enhance DNA Testing

The technique is now capable of successfully typing DNA left from just a few cells, whether from spermatozoa, blood, or skin. This research also resulted in the inclusion of a genetic marker that indicates the gender (male or female) of the individual leaving the sample.

Developing Felon Databases of DNA

Over one-third of the crime scene samples submitted to CODIS results in a cold hit. The success is predicated on the observation that relatively few individuals commit the bulk of the crimes. Thus, typing those few individuals should result in the solution of a disproportionate number of crimes, and that seems to be supported by this data

Who Should Be in the Database?

The decision as to who goes into the database resides with legislative bodies.

Touch/Transfer/Low-Level DNA Samples

Humans are constantly leaving behind DNA by a variety of means but are poorly understood.

DNA Dragnets

DNA dragnets” by critics) also violate Fourth Amendment protections, as they tend to pull many innocent people into its net in search of the guilty few. Mass DNA screenings turn innocent citizens into crime suspects.

Future of DNA Evidence and New Scientific Techniques

Advances are required in parsing mixtures, and researching the meaning of finding someone's DNA by mere handling. Investigators are submitting items linked to a crime's perpetrator in some way, such as a hat left at a scene or a knife found near a body, and asking that the item be processed for wearer or handler DNA.

DNA Analysis

Introduction

As a new technology in criminal justice, DNA is reforming the criminal justice system, in that it can help solve crimes with unprecedented accuracy. DNA evidence is based on small samples of genetic material from individuals that are collected at the scene of a crime, tested, and stored, and later used as evidence in court. The tremendous value of DNA evidence resides in the confluence of two factors: that violent crime typically results in the shedding of biological material in the form of blood, semen, saliva, small amounts of skin, or hair; and that DNA found in the cells of these samples holds the unique genetic code of the individual to whom it belongs (Akane, 1992). Once the DNA is analyzed in a crime laboratory, it can be compared to the DNA of any individual, whether a suspect, victim, or witness. If a genetic concordance (the presence of the same trait) is found during this comparison, a strong inference is formed that the person is the donor of the biological material. The term match is discouraged, as it is misleading. This evidence aids investigators immeasurably in determining what happened during a violent act, and who was involved in it.

Discussion

DNA evidence is the most reliable and accurate type of evidence that exists today, far more reliable than other types of evidence such as eyewitness identification ...