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The effectiveness and limitations of DNA in criminal investigations
DNA helps solve crimes
Dna testing law enforcement
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Mandatory DNA Collection
Deoxyribonucleic acid also known as the term we all use today DNA, has increased the chances of catching criminal behavior brought out on a crime more efficiently and accurately then ways that were used before the 1980s.DNA not only was used in crimes but also used to figure out biological factors such as the relationship between parents, children and siblings. Although DNA testing could be more accurately obtained with a higher certainty level in crime then an eye witness or confession. Is it against the US Constitution to obtain samples from those who are already in custody? This question rests in the decision of our US Supreme Court whether or not it is against a person’s right to legally take their DNA without consent
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Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), plays a significant role in how we make arrests and how we have a successful conviction without trialing the wrong individual or individuals. Felons that have a distinctive connection to an ongoing crime or an earlier crime should mandatorily give up their DNA being that it can ensure safety and clear the inmate of being falsely accused. Many cases need a solid prosecution so they have no room to falsify a person that’s why DNA needs to be obtained with an ease. Cases that were never closed are now being fully investigated due to this unique system that allows us to run finger prints, saliva, hair and even partial evidence can get a lead in a case. If a victim was raped they would administer a rape kit at the consent of the victim to find any traces of DNA left by the perpetrator(s). The DNA collected would be ran through CODIS and NDIS to see if there was a hit off evidence. If a person(s) are taken into custody and found guilty of that crime, their DNA should be further examined to ensure that no other crimes were committed and justice is equally served for one or all victims that has to live with an altered conscience. If they were to refuse, then it could be a big loss to finding if there are more victims and different
As we learned this week, DNA databases are used by various governmental agencies for several different purposes. We all have seen new magazine shows such as, 20/20 or Dateline, that show the collection of DNA samples from suspects in a case that is compared to those collected at the scene of the crime. But what happens when the sample is an incomplete match, compromised, or contaminated? The answer is the wrongful conviction of innocent citizens. The case that I have decided to highlight, is the wrongful conviction of Herman Atkins. In 1986, Atkins was convicted of two counts of forcible rape, two counts of oral copulation, and robbery in the state of California. It was alleged that Herman entered a shoe store, and raped, beat, and robbed a
According to the FBI’s NDIS Statistics, CODIS has produced over 120,300 hits assisting in more than 117,800 investigations as of June 2010 (Federal Bureau of Investigations, 2010). All states collect DNA from convicted felony offenders, but many have passed bills t...
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an acclaimed extraordinary discovery that has contributed great benefits in several fields throughout the world. DNA evidence is accounted for in the majority of cases presented in the criminal justice system. It is known as our very own unique genetic fingerprint; “a chromosome molecule which carries genetic coding unique to each person with the only exception of identical twins (that is why it is also called 'DNA fingerprinting ')” (Duhaime, n.d.). DNA is found in the nuclei of cells of nearly all living things.
DNA evidence should not be collected from suspects as a matter of routine unless the information is relevant to a specific crime in question. For example, it would appropriate to obtain a DNA sample from a suspect where DNA evidence is left at the scene of a crime and the suspect's DNA in needed to prove the suspect's involvement.
. DNA can be left or collected from the hair, saliva, blood, mucus, semen, urine, fecal matter, and even the bones. DNA analysis has been the most recent technique employed by the forensic science community to identify a suspect or victim since the use of fingerprinting. Moreover, since the introduction of this new technique it has been a large number of individuals released or convicted of crimes based on DNA left at the crime sceneDNA is the abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is the genetic material found in cells of all living organisms. Human beings contain approximately one trillion cells (Aronson 9). DNA is a long strand in the shape of a double helix made up of small building blocks (Riley). There are four types of building
Rentschler, Carrie A. & Co. “Victims' Rights and the Struggle Over Crime in the Media.” Canadian Journal of Communication 32.2 (2007): 219-39. Stevens, Aaron P. “Arresting Crime: Expanding the Scope of DNA Databases in America.” Texas Law Review 79.4 (2001): 921-60.
After reading a number of articles, and attending the “Picking Cotton” lecture. I have come to the conclusion that, without the breakthrough of DNA extraction technology. Many people would still be convicted of a crime they never committed.
Gest, Ted. " DNA "Fingerprinting " is Facing a Major Legal Challenge from Defense Attorneys and Civil Libertarians."
The enactment of state post-conviction DNA testing statutes has not been uniform. Some state laws include statutes of limitations beyond which petitioners may no longer file claims. Some states appoint counsel, some do not. They still have to determine if the evidence to be tested is material and reliable (whether there has been a documented chain of custody). If the evidence is too small, or degraded, or otherwise fails to comply with the statutory requirements, the petitioner has no recourse. These advancements are taking place because attorneys are fighting for the right of DNA profiling to save the innocent who have been falsely accused.
Every time an innocent person is exonerated based on DNA testing, law enforcement agencies look at what caused the wrongful convictions. There are many issues that contribute to putting guiltless lives behind bars including: eyewitness misidentification, false confessions, imperfect forensic science, and more (Gould and Leo 18). When a witness is taken into a police station to identify a suspect, it is easy for their memories to be blurred and their judgment influenced. This can lead the witness to identify a suspect who is actually innocent. Flawed forensic science practice also contributes to wrongful imprisonments. In the past, analysts have been inaccurate due to carelessness, testified in court presenting evidence that was not based on science, and participated in misconduct. False confessions have also been known to cause unlawful convictions. In some instances, police departments took part in transgression and interviewed their suspects in such an intense manner that a false confession was used cease the interrogation. To imagine that there are innocent people rotting in prison is appalling and something must be done. To prevent wrongful convictions, legislatures should form commissions and policies to reform flawed procedures.
DNA in forensic science has been around for a long time. DNA has had help in solving almost every crime committed. There have been a lot of crimes where people are raped or murdered and the person who did it runs free. Scientists can collect the littlest item they see at the scene, such as a cigarette butt or coffee cup and check it for DNA. People have spent years in jail for a crime they didn’t commit till DNA testing came into effect. People are getting out of jail after 20 years for a crime they didn’t commit, cause of the DNA testing. DNA has helped medical researchers develop vaccines for disease causing microbe. DNA has become a standard tool of forensics in many murders and rapes.
This paper explores deoxyribonucleic acid (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 is collected, the effects that is has on a juror and the pros and cons of DNA collection in the Forensic Science and Criminal Justice community.
"Using DNA to Solve Crimes." U.S. Department of Justice: National Institute of Justice. (September 9, 2014). Web. 29 May 2015.
Singer, Julie A. "The Impact Of Dna And Other Technology On The Criminal Justice System: Improvements And Complications."Albany Law Journal Of Science & Technology 17.(2007): 87. LexisNexis Academic: Law Reviews. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.
In 1987, United States used DNA evidence to prosecute and convict a serial rapist. It all started in Florida when a woman was awoken by noise. She woke up and a man was standing over her holding a knife towards her, threatening to kill her if she didn’t comply. While she was being raped she started fighting back, she was cut on her neck, legs, feet, and face. Once she was raped the rapist stole her purse and left her home. The victim reported the crime to police shortly after. During an examination a rape kit was performed and evidence of semen was f...