How DNA Is Used In Criminal Investigations Today ✓ Solved

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Detail how DNA is used in criminal investigations today.

Detail how DNA is used in criminal investigations today. What is the current impact of DNA testing on the criminal justice system, and how has DNA revolutionized this system? For students whose last name ends with A-L, include one case study of how DNA exonerated a person previously convicted of a crime and identify those areas you have discussed above. For students whose last name ends with M-Z, include one case study of how DNA has helped convict a guilty person of a crime and identify those areas you have discussed above.

Paper For Above Instructions

The implementation of DNA technology in criminal investigations has significantly transformed the landscape of forensic science and the wider criminal justice system. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that contains the biological instructions that make each organism unique. It can be extracted from various biological materials such as blood, saliva, and hair, making it a vital tool in both solving crimes and exonerating the innocent.

How DNA is Used in Criminal Investigations

DNA analysis plays a crucial role in criminal investigations primarily through two approaches: matching DNA samples collected from crime scenes to known suspects or using biological evidence to identify unknown perpetrators. When DNA is found at a crime scene, investigators can use it to establish a biological link between the suspect and the crime. For instances where a suspect is unknown, forensic experts analyze the DNA from the evidence and compare it to profiles in national databases such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). CODIS is a national database that facilitates the sharing of DNA profiles among law enforcement agencies for the purpose of linking suspects to multiple crimes or solving previously cold cases (Department of Justice, n.d.).

The Impact of DNA Testing on the Criminal Justice System

The introduction of DNA testing has revolutionized the criminal justice system in numerous ways. Firstly, it has greatly increased the accuracy of criminal investigations, leading to a considerable reduction in wrongful convictions. DNA evidence is distinct and unique to each individual, which makes it an undeniable form of proof in court (Ginsburg, 2018). According to the Innocence Project, DNA testing has exonerated more than 370 individuals in the United States who were wrongfully convicted, illustrating the profound impact of DNA technology on judicial outcomes (Innocence Project, 2021).

Case Study: DNA Exoneration

A poignant illustration of DNA's power to exonerate the innocent is the case of Ronald Cotton, who was wrongfully convicted of rape in 1984. After spending over ten years in prison, DNA testing conducted in 1995 on evidence collected from the crime scene led to the identification of the true perpetrator, Bobby Poole, who was already serving time for other crimes. This case is significant not merely for Cotton's exoneration, but also for how it underscores the potential for DNA to serve justice by rectifying historical wrongs (Scheck, Neufeld, & The National Exoneration Registry, 2017).

How DNA Convicts the Guilty

Conversely, DNA evidence also plays a critical role in securing convictions of guilty individuals. A notable case is that of Tommie Lee Andrews, who was the first person in the United States to be convicted based on DNA evidence in 1987. Andrews was linked to the crime scene through DNA analysis, which ultimately led to a conviction after initial attempts to exclude DNA evidence in earlier trials (Colarossi, 2004). This case demonstrated the profound reliability of DNA as a forensic tool and has paved the way for its acceptance in courts across the nation.

Current Methods of DNA Analysis

Modern forensic science employs several advanced techniques for DNA analysis, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, and mitochondrial DNA analysis. These methods have enhanced the capability of forensic scientists to process minute biological samples, which is particularly useful in cases that occur long after the crime has been committed (Baker, 2020). The precision of these technologies continues to evolve with advancements in research, allowing for even greater reliability in both convicting the guilty and exonerating the innocent.

Conclusion

DNA technology has undeniably transformed criminal investigations and the broader criminal justice system. It enhances the precision of solving crimes, leads to exonerations of those wrongfully convicted, and solidifies the cases against guilty individuals. As forensic science evolves, the continued integration of superior DNA analysis methods promises to further improve the accuracy and fairness of the justice system.

References

• Baker, R. (2020). Forensic Science: The New Frontier of Crime Investigation. Journal of Law and Forensic Science.
• Colarossi, A. (2004). Convicted Rapist Now Must Wait for DNA-Retest Results. Orlando Sentinel.
• Department of Justice. (n.d.). DNA Testing: A Guide for Law Enforcement. Retrieved from DOJ.gov
• Ginsburg, E. (2018). The Accuracy of DNA Testing in Criminal Investigations. Forensic Science Review.
• Gaensslen, R.E., & Larsen, K. (2013). Introductory Forensic Science. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
• Innocence Project. (2021). DNA Exonerations in the United States. Retrieved from InnocenceProject.org
• Scheck, B., Neufeld, P., & The National Exoneration Registry. (2017). Actual Innocence: Five Days to Execution and Other Dispatches from the Wrongly Convicted. New York: Doubleday.

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