Solving Cases with Forensic DNA Analysis - 975 Words

Forensic DNA analysis is still a relatively new method that has been used to solve cases such as crimes and paternity tests. This method of forensic evaluation is examined by using genetic material, DNA, an acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid. Although each individual’s DNA differs from someone else’s, with the exception of identical twins, around 99.9% of DNA is the same in each person (The FBI DNA Laboratory). Therefore, in order to identify the genetic profile of the individual being analyzed, scientists focus on the remaining 0.1% of DNA that differentiates one person from another (The FBI DNA Laboratory). History of Forensic DNA Analysis: DNA fingerprinting was introduced around 1986 to identify an alleged suspect in a rape-murder case (Panneerchelvam and Norazmi 22). Since then, using forensic DNA analysis has become more prevalent and has helped to exonerate many innocent suspects involved in such cases. Despite being used in only one percent of criminal cases, DNA tests have helped to acquit over 25 percent of wrongfully accused suspects (Can DNA Demand a Verdict?/Baird, Neufeld, and Scheck, 34). As of 2008, over 120 countries use some sort of forensic DNA analysis in cases like these (INTERPOL Global DNA Profiling). Usage: In order to analyze DNA, scientists require a sample of the individual being tested, such as blood, semen, or hair, before they can create a genetic profile of the person (Petricevic 1). Scientists can then analyze those samples using aShow MoreRelatedDna Evidence Of A Dna Unit Within A Crime Lab1551 Words   |  7 Pagesin the crime world, DNA evidence is strongly accepted in solving crime cases. This is all based in part by allowing a crime laboratory to have a designated unit whose main goal is to analyze DNA evidence to aid investigators with positive outcomes in crime case solving. With that being said we are going to discuss the functions of a DNA unit within a crime lab as well as address the vital role these units play in solving crime. Let’s start by defining what in fact is DNA analysis. According to theRead MoreDna And The Criminal Justice System872 Words   |  4 PagesDeoxyribonucleic Acid, otherwise known as DNA has played a crucial part in many investigations both past and present. It can be used to identify criminals when there is evidence left behind with incredible accuracy. DNA evidence is taken seriously enough that it can exonerate, or bring about a conviction. In Today’s society DNA evidence and technology is vital to the criminal justice system by ensuring accuracy and fairness. In 1984, Alec Jeffreys of the University of LeicesterRead MoreForensic Scientists And Innovative Technology Impacting The World1621 Words   |  7 Pagescut beneath the throat. An officer asks â€Å"Do you think it is right to assume he committed suicide?† A forensic scientist would say no, they can perform examinations to reasonably prove this suicide was staged with the evidence available and uncover more like a puzzle. Crime and mysteries are reoccurring with more novelty, and because of this, forensic science must adapt and evolve with its forensic scientists and innovative technology impacting the world. (â€Å"Latest Crime Statistics Released†) PracticesRead MoreEssay on DNA in the Forensic Science Community1500 Words   |  6 Pagesacid (DNA) collection and its relationship to solving crimes. The collection of DNA is one of the most important steps in identifying a suspect in a crime. DNA evidence can either convict or exonerate an individual of a crime. Furthermore, the accuracy of forensic identification of evidence has the possibility of leaving biased effects on a juror (Carrell, Krauss, Liberman, Miethe, 2008). This paper examines Carrells et al’s research along with three other research articles to review how DNA isRead MoreThe Importance of Dna Evidence1575 Words   |  7 PagesThe Importance of DNA Evidence What is DNA? Is it these winding strands that look like ladders or is it what gives a person blonde hair and blue eyes? Actually, DNA is both of these things. DNA is a person’s genetic makeup–their hereditary blueprint passed on by their parents. It is a part of almost every cell in the human body. In each cell, a person’s DNA is the same; it stays the same throughout their lifetime. DNA is found in skin tissue, sweat, bone, the root and shaft of hair, earwax, mucusRead MoreForensic Science : The Fastest Growing Criminal Justice Field1089 Words   |  5 Pagesour crime solving abilities. Forensics actually is the fastest growing criminal justice field in America. Seemingly always in the background, forensics is a major part of our criminal justice systems as a whole. Forensic Science has contributed to our world a great deal in multiple ways, and very significant ways. By the close of the 20th century, forensic scientists had a wealth of high-tech tools at their disposal for analyzing evidence from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA analysis, to digitalRead MoreForensic Science : An Effective Tool For The Law Enforcement1319 Words   |  6 PagesForensic science has come a long way to solving crimes as they occur each day, from stealing, killings, burglary and kidnappings. People that commit these crimes need to be caught so that they pay the consequence for their actions. While catching a criminal is not an easy task, however some of the most effective ways to do so come from the effectiveness of DNA analysis. Forensic scientist play a vital role in helping catch criminals, using different devices so as DNA markers and DNA testing alongRead MoreEssay about DNA, The New Crime Investigator1358 Words   |  6 PagesDNA, The New Crime Investigator Abstract What is DNA? The scientific definition is â€Å"deoxyribonucleic acid, the biological polymer that stores the genetic information in all free living organisms. Two linear molecules entwine to form the double helix. Now that the definition has been stated, let’s now define what DNA means to a crime scene or case investigator. In the law enforcement business DNA has been introduce as a revolutionary and efficient accurate tool to solve and crack modern andRead MoreHair Analysis : Forensic Science966 Words   |  4 Pagesmid-1800s. However, hair analysis in forensic science began in 1930. During which time, a forensic scientist by the name of Edmond Locard introduced the Locard Exchange Principal. This principal hinges on the fact that any time there is contact between two surfaces an exchange of material will take place. (Oien, 2009) In this paper, I will prove how Forensic Hair Analysis and Forensic Hair comparison and studies if properly performed and correctly interpreted h air analysis meets all the scientificRead MoreA Visual Of The Mitochondrial Dna1484 Words   |  6 Pages Figure 2. A visual of the mitochondrial DNA molecule shows where the DNA gets analyzed by forensic geneticists, the hypervariable regions 1 and 2. Figure 3. The results of the TaqMan system containing the DNA numbers from various analyzed sampled. Thesis Discussion DNA phenotyping serves to determine the physical attributes of a specific individual based off of genetic material that was left behind at a crime scene. By being able to determine physical traits such as hair