The Role of DNA Evidence in Criminal Prosecutions
How does DNA evidence help convict a criminal?
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.
The Role of DNA Evidence in Criminal Prosecutions
DNA evidence has become a powerful tool in the prosecution of criminal cases. It has become the primary type of evidence used in court to prove guilt or innocence of a suspect. It has changed the way criminal convictions are obtained and has put more emphasis on physical evidence.
DNA evidence was initially used in criminal cases in the late 1980s. Since then, its use has become commonplace. It is now used in cases of violent and non-violent offenses. It is considered to be the gold standard in forensic science and is often used in conjunction with other forms of forensic evidence.
DNA evidence can be collected from a variety of sources, including hair and saliva samples, blood, and other bodily fluids. It can also be collected from material objects, such as clothing or weapons. DNA evidence is unique to an individual, making it an invaluable tool in criminal cases.
Once obtained, the DNA evidence is tested and analyzed to create a DNA profile. This profile is matched against a suspect’s sample to determine if they were at the scene of the crime. If the DNA profile matches, the chances of the suspect being at the scene increase.
In addition to using DNA evidence to identify suspects, prosecutors can also use DNA to link suspects to items they may have handled. For example, fibers from clothing can be linked to an individual through their DNA and this can be used as evidence to link an individual to a crime.
The use of DNA evidence has increased the conviction rate for criminal cases significantly. It has been found that in courts where DNA evidence is used in criminal cases, the conviction rate is more than twice as high as in courts without it. This has led to an increased reliance on DNA evidence in criminal cases.
DNA evidence is also important for exonerating innocent people. If a person has been charged with a crime, their DNA can be tested and, if a match is not found, they can be proven innocent. This has been especially helpful in cases where a suspect has been wrongly accused or where new evidence has come to light in a case.
The use of DNA evidence has revolutionized criminal prosecutions and the way in which justice systems operate. It has allowed many innocent people who were wrongly convicted to be proven innocent and has allowed prosecutors to convict more people for their crimes. Although there is still room for improvement in the accuracy and reliability of DNA evidence, its use continues to increase and revolutionize the criminal justice system.
