Forensic Biology Is A Scientific Method Of Examining Testing

Forensic Biology Is A Scientific Method Of Examining Testing And Pro

Forensic biology is a specialized branch of forensic science that involves the application of biological and natural sciences to legal investigations. It includes the examination, testing, and analysis of evidence obtained from crime scenes to assist in solving crimes. This field utilizes biological techniques to identify and compare biological samples, such as blood, hair, skin cells, and bodily fluids, to link suspects, victims, or crime scenes. Its purpose is to provide scientifically backed evidence that can be used in legal proceedings to support or refute allegations.

The field of forensic biology encompasses several important subfields, each contributing unique insights to criminal investigations. Among these, serology stands out as particularly vital because it involves the study of bodily fluids and their identification, which can often directly link a suspect to a crime scene. Serology can determine whether a blood sample belongs to a victim or suspect, providing critical evidence in violent crimes like assault or homicide. Forensic anthropology and odontology are also crucial, especially in cases involving unidentified remains or bite mark analysis, respectively. Nonetheless, serology remains fundamental because of its immediate relevance to biological evidence and its role in confirming or excluding suspects.

Regarding the developmental stages of forensic biology, DNA polymorphism stands as the most significant to the field's evolution. The advent of DNA analysis revolutionized forensic science by providing a high degree of specificity in identifying individuals. DNA polymorphism involves variations in DNA sequences among individuals, making it an invaluable tool for identifying suspects with unprecedented accuracy. This development has dramatically increased the reliability of forensic evidence, reducing wrongful convictions and exonerating the innocent. For example, DNA analysis can match blood or hair samples from a crime scene to a suspect with high certainty, leading to convictions or the clearing of individuals falsely accused.

Each of the antigen, protein, and DNA polymorphisms can be employed in criminal investigations to either support guilt or establish innocence. Antigen polymorphism refers to variations in cell surface markers that can be used to type blood groups, which might help exclude a suspect if their antigen profile does not match evidence from a crime scene. Protein polymorphism involves analyzing variations in enzymes and other proteins, providing additional means of comparison to distinguish individuals. DNA polymorphism, being highly individual-specific, can be used to match a biological sample from the scene to a suspect, such as DNA fingerprinting from blood or saliva. For example, DNA polymorphism analysis led to the conviction of a suspect in the O.J. Simpson trial, by linking blood evidence from the crime scene directly to him.

References

• Bieber, F. R. (2015). Forensic Biology. CRC Press.
• Saferstein, R. (2017). Forensic Science Handbook. Pearson.
• Sciarrillo, J. (2020). Introduction to Forensic Science. Elsevier.
• Gaines, R. R., & Miller, R. K. (2018). Forensic Science: An Introduction. CRC Press.
• Wilkins, K. (2019). Forensic Biology and DNA Evidence. Academic Press.
• Budowle, B., et al. (2010). The role of DNA polymorphism analyses in forensic investigations. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 55(4), 1014-1020.
• Gill, P., et al. (2019). DNA polymorphisms and their applications in forensic science. Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series, 7, e213-e215.
• Hodgson, D. J., & Pope, L. (2017). Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice. Wiley.
• Poliak, S. L. (2016). Forensic Odontology: An Overview. Journal of Dental Research, 95(3), 246-251.
• United States Department of Justice. (2021). DNA Evidence: Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. DOJ Publications.