Catching a Culprit-Using DNA to Catch Criminals

     For years, criminals were allowed to get away with crimes because DNA testing was non-existent. A criminal could brutally attack a victim and leave beind DNA evidence, but law enforcement could do nothing with it. After years of perfecting technology, forensic specialists can now isolate samples of DNA and help find suspects of crimes.

     Determine wether you believe that DNA evidence is a reliable source for catching and confirming criminals.

    

Using the links provided, read the articles and weigh the good against the bad.

1:  In what year was DNA profiling 1st used to convict a suspect?

2. What other use has made DNA profiling popular?

http://www.articlesbase.com/criminal-articles/dna-fingerprinting-history-4415886.html

3.  How are DNA fragments seperated from each sample?

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/dl/free/0072835125/126997/animation40.html

4.  In what decade did the Federal Government begin work on national DNA databases?

5. What are the 2 main responsibilities of the National Forensic Science Commission?

http://www.justice.gov/ag/dnapolicybook_solve_crimes.htm

6.  What type of evidence is collected at a crime scene?

7. All 50 states have laws that allow DNA samples to be taken from 2 specific types of offenders and placed in a database. What are the 2 types?

http://nij.gov/journals/253/pages/dna_analysis.aspx

8. What type of case is geographical profiling best used in?

9. Which area endorses geographical profiling? 

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/profiling/geographic/6.html

10. Can DNA samples remain perfectly in tact indefinitley?

11. What is fingerprint accuracy based on?

http://voices.yahoo.com/identifying-pros-cons-dna-fingerprinting-4519101.html

12. If DNA profiling was performed on identical twins to prove which subject was the offender, would it work?

13. Who was the 1st person convicted by the use of DNA profiling?

http://www.brighthub.com/science/genetics/articles/29998.aspx

14. What is one major social issue of DNA banking?

15. Is DNA profiling always practical?

http://www.brighthub.com/science/genetics/articles/100650.aspx

16. Can DNA evidence be collected after a victim has been in water?

17. What type of DNA was used in this case?

http://www.govtech.com/public-safety/DNA-Profiling-Helps-Solve-22-year-old-Murder.html

18. Approximately how many people have been exonerated from crimes due to DNA testing?

19. Can DNA be extracted from dried bodily fluids?

http://www.testcountry.org/proven-innocent-cases-of-exoneration-through-dna-testing.htm

20. Based on the cites and articles you used, do you believe that DNA testing is a valid source for convicting criminals?

DNA has come a long way since it was first discovered an a tool for law enforcement. However, there are still issues that need to be smoothed out. Anyone using DNA profiling shoudl proceed with caution.