The Importance Of DNA Analysis

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DNA analysis has come a long way since the beginning of any type of testing. Before DNA analysis became was used, or even used a widely as it is now, it was harder for law enforcement agencies to identify suspects of crimes. Now DNA analysis testing can determine the DNA of an individual, or a family member. DNA analysis is the process in which genetic sequences are studied. There are several different ways to analyze forensic DNA. This has had a great influence on the accuracy and reliability of DNA profiling that is used so commonly today by law enforcement and medical practitioners. So as the years have passed they have become precise with the results. They have became so good that some would say that they are too good. The analysis of …show more content…

A major one would be contamination which was foreshadowed in the paragraph above. Because of how sensitive DNA analysis is it is more likely to pick up contaminations, through transference, so you can't always be assured of the reliability of the results(“Debate”) . Touching an object that has one person's DNA on it then touching another object can transfer even traces of that person's DNA to the object without even knowing. This meaning that testing can pick up on the person's DNA and make it seem like they touched the object tested when in reality they didn't. Also because of exactly that it can cause problems within a case. The lab could test DNA in a case and find trace amounts of a suspect's DNA for several reasons and it could cause them to take a plea when they learn about it out of fear of harsher conviction, even if they really didn't commit the crime (Kirchner). That person's DNA could be there because they were at the scene of the crime at one point of time, or mis handling of the evidence. There are several reasons why but because of the high sensitivity of DNA testing they were able to pick up such low quantities of DNA na test it. But one false positive or any finding of flaws with the DNA analysis could prompt an avalanche of litigation (Kirchner). If it is found out that there was a flaw in even one testing it could cause problems in other cases and could cause inmates to appeal their cases on the basis of flawed evidence testing. Leaving massive problems with DNA analysis

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