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Why is DNA evidence so powerful?
The Value of DNA Evidence DNA is a powerful investigative tool because, with the exception of identical twins, no two people have the same DNA. Therefore, DNA evidence collected from a crime scene can be linked to a suspect or can eliminate a suspect from suspicion.
Why is DNA evidence so reliable in determining identity?
DNA is the chemical that forms genes, and the fingerprinting technique relies on the fact that each individual has a characteristic pattern of DNA. By chopping up DNA and then lining up the resulting fragments, scientists can detect differences in fragment lengths, which would show individual variations.
Why is DNA evidence better than fingerprints?
As with fingerprints, though, in the absence of other evidence, an exact DNA fingerprint match does not amount to proof of guilt. Since it was introduced in 1985, DNA fingerprinting has accomplished the following: Solved crimes considered otherwise unsolvable. Put thousands of rapists and killers in jail.
Is DNA the most important evidence?
DNA evidence is among the most valuable pieces of evidence used in criminal cases. No two people have the same DNA, meaning the use of such evidence can either prove a person’s innocence or guilt with great accuracy.
Why DNA is so important in crime?
DNA can be used to identify criminals with incredible accuracy when biological evidence exists. In cases where a suspect is identified, a sample of that person’s DNA can be compared to evidence from the crime scene. The results of this comparison may help establish whether the suspect committed the crime.
How reliable is DNA evidence?
Only one-tenth of 1 percent of human DNA differs from one individual to the next and, although estimates vary, studies suggest that forensic DNA analysis is roughly 95 percent accurate.
How important is DNA evidence in court?
It is thus not possible, in general, to express the kind of categorical opinions of identity of source that are presented from fingerprint evidence. Nevertheless, DNA profiling is highly discriminating and can provide extremely powerful evidence for presentation at court.
Why is DNA unreliable?
DNA evidence is only as reliable as the procedures used to test it. If these procedures are sloppy, imprecise, or prioritize particular results over accuracy, then the so-called “DNA evidence” they produce cannot be a trustworthy basis for a conviction.