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DNA testing has created a whole new level of confidence in identifying criminals. Human DNA is specific to each individual, which makes it the perfect way to tell exactly who left the DNA evidence at the crime scene. If detectives can prove someone was at the scene, they can put together a better case.

Better Than a Fingerprint

Fingerprints have been the most popular way to identify people at crime scenes for centuries. They are not foolproof, however, and can be covered up by gloves. Fingerprints can also be altered in extreme situations by surgery or burning the fingertips. DNA evidence is not so easy to cover up. People lose DNA molecules accidentally just by moving around. Human hair falls off without being noticed. A single strand of hair contains enough DNA to identify a person with very little margin of error. It is impossible for a person to alter their own DNA, so hiding from a DNA test is not an option.

Not Admissible in all Situations

Since DNA technology is relatively new in law enforcement, there are some legal situations in which it is not admissible in court. The courts have not been fully convinced of the infallible nature of DNA testing. Time and better testing techniques will likely lead to all courts accepting DNA evidence for all cases in which the DNA was obtained in a lawful manner. DNA that is obtained through unlawful tactics is not admissible in any court for any reason, which means that law officers need to be careful in the way they collect their samples.

Proving Innocence of Convicts

High profile cases involving DNA testing for old crimes have been very popular in the news in recent years. Several cases have used DNA evidence to prove that the person who was convicted of the crime was actually innocent. This has raised some serious questions about the way the legal system works, especially regarding capital punishment. When several people are proven to be innocent even though they were convicted of the crime it is difficult to condone killing someone for a crime that they say they did not commit. As DNA testing becomes more prevalent there is a chance that criminal convictions will become more accurate.

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Related Questions

Where is the nearest forensic DNA testing lab in MI?

One option for forensic DNA testing in Michigan is the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division located in Lansing. They offer services for law enforcement agencies and can provide information on forensic DNA testing for criminal cases. It is recommended to contact them directly for more specific information and requirements.


Is DNA from law enforcement officers kept in data base?

Yes.


Who has to give DNA?

Giving DNA can be required by law enforcement as part of a criminal investigation, through a court order, or voluntarily in some genetic testing scenarios. Privacy and consent should always be considered when DNA is being collected.


When was CODIS established?

CODIS was established by Congress in 1994. The DNA Identification Act of 1994 provided funding to law enforcement agencies for DNA collection and created the FBI's CODIS to facilitate the sharing of DNA information among the law enforcement agencis.


What is the DNA of JonBenet Ramsey?

Her DNA profile was recorded with the Boulder medical examiner and local and federal law enforcement.


Who uses ETG alcohol urine testing?

Law enforcement agencies and court systems are major users of EtG urine testing.


Who uses DNA fingerprinting?

(in the US) ALL Law enforcement agencies have access to and/or use such techniques.


What is restricting the development of the DNA database a focus of?

proponents of the due process modle of law enforcement


Are DNA tests done for all murder suspects?

DNA tests are not conducted for all murder suspects, but they are increasingly common in homicide investigations, especially when biological evidence is available at the crime scene. Law enforcement may prioritize DNA testing based on the circumstances of the case, such as the availability of physical evidence and the potential for a suspect to be identified through DNA. Additionally, legal protocols and resources can influence whether DNA testing is pursued in a particular case. Ultimately, the decision to conduct DNA tests depends on various factors, including investigative strategy and the specific evidence at hand.


How scientifis tools are used in enforcement of law and order?

One example is that of DNA technology used in investigating crime scenes.


Where was the law enforcement when prohibition took place?

Law enforcement was hampered by the widespread corruption of law enforcement officers and other public officials.


When was Law Enforcement Exploring created?

Law Enforcement Exploring was created in 1973.