DNA Technologies in Criminal Investigation and Courts

Abstract

DNA profiling has been assuming a prominent role in the activities of the criminal justice system. Genetic technologies support criminal investigations, while also being seen as holding a highly valuable potential for producing evidence to be used in courts. This chapter has two main objectives: on the one hand, to describe and explain the ways that DNA technologies can be used in criminal investigation and turned into DNA evidence in criminal proceedings; on the other hand, this chapter aims to systematize the main lines of academic literature within the social sciences which have been developed to study the social implications and transformations of cultures and professional practices arising from the presence of DNA technology in the criminal justice system. Besides, the chapter also pays particular attention to the social nature of the high expectations associated to the "infallibility" of DNA technologies and how the media portrays the use of forensic genetics and further exacerbates such notions.

Indirect DNA Transfer and Forensic Implications: A Literature Review

“…As summarized in Figure 2A, based on the first author's affiliation, the research groups that contributed to the selected articles came from Australia (21), the United States (5), Germany (5), Switzerland (5), the United Kingdom (5), Norway (3), Italy (2), Austria (1), Israel (1), and Spain (1). Analyzing the distribution of articles by year of publication (Figure 2B), the first paper on indirect DNA transfer that included sufficient method details was published in 1999, while many studies were performed in the last seven years: 2002 (1), The experimental model and the main results of the selected articles are summarized in Table 1.…”

“…The careful collection of samples from crime scenes, victims, and suspects ensures the accuracy and reliability of DNA analysis [1]. At the same time, the extraction, quantification, and amplification of DNA from these samples further enhance the investigative process [2]. All these processes are vital as they enable forensic scientists to analyze and compare DNA profiles, aiding in the identification of individuals, linking suspects to crimes, and providing valuable evidence in court proceedings.…”

A novel Fusion-5 Filter based Micro-chip: A highly efficient, On-chip DNA extraction and On-chip PCR amplification for rapid detection

“…The DNA analysis procedure at the forensic laboratory often takes days, resulting in the outcome becoming less relevant to effectively contribute to the initial stage of the criminal investigation conducted by the police forces. 1,2 It might give the perpetrator time to eliminate relevant evidence, elope, or even commit another crime. At the same time, it is desired that innocent suspects be released quickly from custody.…”

The Imperative of a Regulatory Framework for the Establishment of a National Crime Dna Database in Nigeria

“…The People v Wesley[1988] 140 Misc 2d 306,[1988] 533 NYS 2d 643 21 Lutz Roewer, 'DNA Fingerprinting in Forensics: Past, Present, Future' (2013) 4 Investigative Genetics 1 22 The People v Wesley (n 18); Roewer defined DNA fingerprinting as the comparison of the DNA in a person's nucleated cells with that identified in biological matter found at the scene of a crime or with the DNA of another person for identification or exclusion. Roewer (n 19) 23 Michael Briody, 'The Effects of DNA Evidence on Homicide Cases in Court' (2004) 37 Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology 231 24 INTERPOL Global DNA Profiling Survey Results (2019); SU Nwawuba and CBN Akpata, 'Awareness Level on the Role of Forensic DNA Database in Criminal Investigation in Nigeria: A Case Study of Benin city'(2020) …”

“…MI Selvin, 'A Too Permeating Police Surveillance: Consumer Genetic Genealogy and the Fourth Amendment After Carpenter'(2020) 53 Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review 1015…”