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Traditional DNA search

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Traditional DNA searches involves gathering DNA profiles in blood, sweat, semen or skin tissue left at crime scenes, and then comparing them to the profiles of known offenders in government databases.

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Contents

Overview

DNA analysis was first utilized by law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, starting in the late 1980s.[1] Francis H. C. Crick and James D. Watson identified the double-helix structure of DNA, which resembles a twisted ladder that constitutes the genetic coding of living organisms.[2]

Deoxyribunucleic acid, or DNA, is the genetic code found in most organisms. DNA analysis, also referred to as DNA typing or DNA profiling, examines DNA found in physical evidence (blood, hair, semen) and determines if a match can be found.[3]

Forensic scientists use DNA typing traditionally for the following purposes:

  • identify potential suspects who DNA may match evidence;
  • exonerate persons wrongly accused of crimes; and
  • establish paternity and other familial connections.[4]

Legal History

The legal history of DNA Evidence has been fraught with positive and negative results.

For the most part, the Supreme Court has refused to find DNA sampling as an unconstitutional form of search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. Due to the minimal physical intrusion resulting from these searches, the court believes DNA sampling to be typically less intrusive. Additionally, criminals generally have a lesser expectation of privacy than free persons.[5]


References

  1. http://law.jrank.org/pages/6227/DNA-Evidence-History-Process-DNA-Analysis.html
  2. http://law.jrank.org/pages/6227/DNA-Evidence-History-Process-DNA-Analysis.html
  3. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml
  4. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml
  5. http://www.privacyinternational.org/article.shtml?cmd%5B347%5D=x-347-528471#_ftnref29

External Links

Related Resources on FindLaw

Related Blogs on FindLaw

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