Introduction

DNA technology has become one of the most important tools used in solving crimes today. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material found in nearly every cell in the human body and is unique to each individual, except for identical twins. Because of this, DNA can be used to identify people and connect them to crime scenes. One of the main methods used is DNA profiling, which analyzes specific parts of DNA, such as short tandem repeats (STRs), to create a unique genetic profile (Butler, 2012). This technology has made criminal investigations more accurate and has significantly changed the way law enforcement approaches cases. 

Connection to sts

DNA technology clearly demonstrates the relationship between science, technology, and society (STS). Scientific research in genetics led to the development of technologies like DNA profiling and national databases, which are now widely used in criminal investigations. These technologies impact society by helping solve crimes, improve public safety, and ensure justice is served. However, they also raise important social and ethical concerns, such as privacy issues and the potential misuse of personal genetic information. This reflects a key idea in STS: that technological advancements can both benefit society and create new challenges that must be carefully managed. 

Information on the topic

Dna profiling in criminal investigations

DNA profiling is one of the most important tools used in forensic science. It works by analyzing specific areas of DNA that vary between individuals. When biological evidence such as blood, saliva, or hair is found at a crime scene, it can be tested and compared with a suspect’s DNA. If there is a match, it can strongly suggest that the person was present at the scene. This process is highly accurate and widely used in modern investigations (Butler, 2012).

Advancements in dna technology

Advances in technology have made it possible to analyze very small or damaged DNA samples. One major technique is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allows scientists to copy small amounts of DNA for further study. This has led to the use of “touch DNA,” where even tiny skin cells left behind through contact can be used as evidence. These improvements have made it possible to solve crimes that once had little or no evidence, including cold cases (van Oorschot et al., 2019). 

DNa databases and crime solving

DNA databases, such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), store DNA profiles from convicted offenders and crime scenes. When new DNA evidence is collected, it can be compared to these databases to find matches. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, this system helps law enforcement connect crimes across different locations and identify suspects more efficiently (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010). This has been especially useful in solving long-standing cases. 

exoneration and justice

DNA technology has also played a major role in providing the innocence of individuals who were wrongfully convicted. In many cases, DNA testing has shown that someone could not have committed a crime, leading to their release. This has improved trust in the justice system and highlighted the importance of accurate scientific evidence (Garrett, 2011).

Missing voice

A missing voice in discussions about DNA technology is individuals whose DNA is collected and stored without their full consent, particularly those who have not been convicted of crimes. In addition, minority communities are often disproportionately represented in DNA databases, yet their perspectives on privacy and surveillance are not always included in policy discussions. Including these voices is important because it would provide a more complete understanding of how DNA technology impacts different groups in society and could lead to mroe fair and ethical policies.

Ethical concerns and future issues

Even though DNA technology is highly effective, it raises concerns about privacy and ethics. Since DNA contains senstive personal information, there are concens about how it is stored, who has access to it, and how it might be used in the future. There are also concerns about collecting DNA from individuals who have been convicted of crimes. Additionally, DNA evidence can sometimes be misunderstood in court, which could lead to incorrect conclusions if it is not propery explained (Murphy, 2018). New developments, such as genetic genealogy, also raise questions about consent and how genetic data is shared.

conclusion

In conclusion, DNA technology has greatly improved the way crimes are solved by allowing investigators to identify suspects, solved cold cases, and ensure justice is served. It has also helped free individuals who were wrongfully convicted, showing its importance in the criminal justice system. However, it is essential to consider the ethical and privacy concerns that come with its use. As technology continues to advance, society must find a balance between using DNA to solve crimes and protecting individual rights.

references

Butler, J.M. (2012). Advanced topics in forensic DNA typing. National Institutes of Health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3561883/

Garrett, B.L. (2011). DNA and wrongful conviction. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/1043986210377231

Murphy, E. (2018). The new forensics and the future of criminal justice. Annual Review of Law and Social Science. https://www.justice.gov/archives/ag/advancing-justice-through-dna-technology-using-dna-solve-crimes

van Oorschot, R.A.H., Szkuta, B., Meakin, G.E., Kokshoorn, B., & Goray, M. (2019). DNA transfer in forensic science: A review. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 38, 140-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.10.014

Gale. (2021). DNA evidence in criminal investigations. Academic OneFile. https://go-gale-com.libproxy.clemson.edu/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T002&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&retrievalId=5935b494-565b-4289-a512-9bd68716d7a6&hitCount=54&gtmSearchId=e128cdf0-b76e-427c-a800-cc49df68b00a&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&currentPosition=5&docId=GALE%7CA665545509&docType=Article&sort=RELEVANCE&contentSegment=ZONE-MOD1&prodId=AONE&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA665545509&searchId=R1&userGroupName=clemsonu_main&inPS=true

AI use acknowledgement

I used ChatGPT and Copilot to help come up with ideas for my topic and to make sure my chapter followed the assignment rubric.  I entered prompts about my topic and the project requirements, and I used the responses to organize my work, improve clarity, and ensure all required sections were included. The AI helped guide my structure, but all final content was reviewed and written in my own words based on my understanding of the material.