DNA as Evidence

Prior to DNA, the only patterns that were usable for various things such as crimes and other assaults were fingerprints but during the 1990's DNA was introduced and since then nothing has quite been the same. DNA is very complex but when broken down in layman terms might be explained like this, the cells in the human body contain a complete set of DNA. Basically, every part of the body is made up of these tiny cells and each contains a sample of DNA identical to that of every other cell within a given person. A strand of DNA is made up of tiny building-blocks which are identified by using four letters, A, T, G, and C.

DNA Science

DNA is relied upon more than any other factor for identifying individuals to certain crimes, for paternity, and for the treatment of disease. Human characteristics are inherited and are developed from genes and chromosomes. However, now science is becoming more equipped to decipher properly through the genes and understand which characteristics were results of specific genes. This is a miracle breakthrough for agricultural production and disease prevention and treatment.

Unique DNA

Each person has unique, non replicated DNA, with the exception of identical twins. Basically, if there is a crime scene and any fibers, cigarette butts, a drink from a bottle, can, or glass, semen, a strand of hair or blood can be tested and matched up, an expert opinion can be given to the likelihood that a particular person was indeed present at that crime scene and it can usually be concluded if that person was the person who is likely guilty of that crime.

DNA at Crime Scenes

DNA is a very complex form of technology and there are not many that are comfortable working with it but today it is part of most crime labs and police agencies. It is now standard protocol to test for DNA at most crime scenes. While DNA testing can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person is guilty of a crime it can also prove that they are not guilty either. If a person's DNA is not present at a crime scene then it is likely that he was not present either as it is nearly impossible to not leave behind some trace samples of DNA.

DNA Errors

An argument that many who oppose the death penalty is that there have indeed been some people that have been put to death that were cleared of their crimes after the fact, when it was too late. In some circumstances, such as the case with the OJ Simpson case, DNA evidence indicated that in fact OJ Simpson was present at the crime scene but was still proven innocent by a jury of his peers because there had been some flaws in the manner that the DNA was handled. This is why it is absolutely critical that DNA harvesting and sampling must be done to a precision with no room for error.

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