DNA PROFILING
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WHAT IS DNA PROFILING?
DNA profiling is the process where a specific DNA pattern, called a profile, is obtained from a person or sample of bodily tissue.There are two DNA profiling techniques: 1.Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism; 2.Polymerase Chain Reaction
HOW DO YOU CREATE DNA PROFILING?
1. Get a sample of DNA
2. Extract the DNA
3. Copy the DNA
4. Determine the size of the STRs
5. Is there a match?
WHEN IS DNA PROFILING USED?
- To identify the probable origin of a body fluid sample associated with a crime or crime scene.
- To reveal family relationships
- To identify disaster victims.
ADVANTAGES
- Less Invasive.
- Reducing and Reversing Wrongful Convictions.
- Protecting the Innocent.
DISADVANTAGES
- Privacy. Some consider any request for a DNA sample to be a violation of an individual’s right to privacy and a violation of their civil liberties.
- Wrongful Convictions
- Access to and Use of Data.
FACTORS- ETHICAL
T here is the issue of whether DNA evidence prevents defendants from getting fair trials. The other side to this issue is that if DNA can provide conclusive evidence that a suspect committed a crime, some would say that it is an obstruction of justice and inherently unconstitutional not to present this evidence in court. The most contentious issue is the matter of how to calculate statistical probability, the odds that a match between DNA found at the crime scene and DNA taken from the suspect could be the result of coincidence. DNA testing is not just an ethical, legal, or public policy issue; it is also a women's issue. Ninety percent of the victims of crimes involving DNA identification are committed against women. The tests are most useful in sex crimes, traditionally the toughest to solve and among the most under-reported. Only about half of the reported rapes result in arrests, and less then half of the men arrested are convicted. DNA has made it a lot harder for violent offenders to prey on women with impunity
FACTOR- SOCIAL
The primary concern is privacy. DNA profiles are different from fingerprints, which are useful only for identification. DNA can provide insights into many intimate aspects of people and their families including susceptibility to particular diseases, legitimacy of birth. This information increases the potential for genetic discrimination by government, insurers, employers, schools, banks, and others.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. "Science and the Law: The Implications of DNA Profiling." Science and the Law: The Implications of DNA Profiling. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. <http://www.dartmouth.edu/~cbbc/courses/bio4/bio4-1997/KatieLachter.html>.
3. "Discover the Pros and Cons of DNA Profiling." Bright Hub. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2013. <http://www.brighthub.com/science/genetics/articles/65420.aspx>.
4. "DNA Profiling | Biotech Learning Hub." Biotechnology Learning Hub RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2013. <http://www.biotechlearn.org.nz/focus_stories/forensics/dna_profiling>.
5. Rickard, Greg. "Forensics." Science Dimensions 3: Essential Learning. Melbourne: Pearson Education, 2006. N. pag. Print.
6."Science." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 02 May 2013. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/528756/science>.