Benefits and Drawbacks of DNA Fingerprinting in Forensics
DNA evidence is really important in solving crimes. Everyone’s DNA is unique, so if someone’s DNA is found at a crime scene, it can help show if they’re innocent or guilty. This evidence has helped free people who were wrongly accused, but it can also hurt someone’s case if it’s not collected and handled correctly. So knowing the pros and cons of DNA fingerprinting is necessary to help you better understand if it’s reliable or not.
Pros and Cons of DNA Evidence in Database
DNA is a big deal in crime cases. When used right, it can really help or hurt someone’s life. “Strengths, Limitations, and Controversies of DNA Evidence” by Naseam Rachel Behrouzfard talks about the good and bad sides of using DNA evidence in crimes.
Benefits
Below are some advantages of using DNA evidence in solving crime:
Greatest Advancement
Experts believe that DNA evidence is one of the most significant breakthroughs in forensic science, similar to how fingerprinting revolutionized investigations in the past. DNA evidence has greatly improved our ability to solve crimes by providing solid scientific proof that can link individuals to crime scenes or victims. You have a genetic fingerprint unique to each person that helps detectives catch criminals and bring them to justice.
Prove Innocence
DNA evidence can show that someone is innocent, even if other evidence seems to suggest they are guilty. This means that even if everything else points to someone being guilty, DNA evidence can prove that they didn’t do it. You have a powerful truth-telling tool that can make sure innocent people aren’t punished for something they didn’t do.
Can be Used for Many Years
When DNA evidence is taken care of correctly, it can be kept safe for many years. This is important because sometimes investigations and trials can take a really long time. By storing DNA evidence properly, it means that even if a case goes on for years, the evidence can still be used to help find the truth and make sure justice is served. It’s like having a backup plan to make sure the evidence doesn’t go away before it’s needed.
Easier for Law Enforcement to Determine the Suspect
When police officers have DNA samples from a crime scene but don’t know who they belong to, they can search in DNA databases to find a match. These databases contain genetic information from lots of different people. By comparing the DNA from the crime scene with the DNA in the database, officers can try to find a person who might be connected to the crime. It’s like searching through a big library to find a book that matches the one you’re looking for. This helps the police identify suspects and solve cases.
Better than Eyewitnesses
DNA evidence is more reliable than eyewitness evidence. Eyewitness evidence can sometimes be mistaken because people might not remember things correctly or might be influenced by what they expect to see. But DNA evidence is like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly because it’s based on scientific facts about a person’s genetic makeup. It’s hard to argue with DNA because it tells the truth about who was at a crime scene or who was involved in a crime. So, when it comes to reliability, DNA evidence is a foundation you can always trust.
Limitations
DNA fingerprinting also has its share of disadvantages, such as the following:
Not Available in Every Crime Scene
DNA evidence is not always found at every crime scene. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack sometimes. Sometimes, the criminals are careful and don’t leave any DNA behind, or the environment might destroy it. So, while DNA evidence is super helpful when it’s there, it’s not something that investigators can always rely on. They have to use other clues and evidence to solve cases when DNA isn’t available.
Must Support Other Evidences
DNA evidence is just one piece of the puzzle in solving crimes. Even though DNA evidence is really strong, juries don’t always decide a case based only on DNA. They want to see other evidence too, like confessions from suspects, the weapon used in a crime, or other scientific clues found at the scene. It’s like putting together clues in a mystery story—you need more than one piece to see the whole picture. So, while DNA evidence is important, it’s not always enough to convince a jury all by itself.
Human Error
Sometimes, mistakes made by people can affect how reliable DNA evidence is, which is a disadvantage of using DNA technology. This can happen if someone who is handling the evidence isn’t properly trained, or if they’re not careful with their work. For example, if they don’t clean their tools properly between samples, it can lead to cross-contamination, where DNA from one sample gets mixed up with another. So, to make sure DNA evidence is reliable, it’s important for everyone involved to be trained well and to be really careful when handling it.
Privacy Concerns
DNA samples can raise concerns about privacy because they reveal information about your family connections, where your ancestors come from, and even your chances of getting certain diseases. It’s like sharing personal details about yourself that you might not want everyone to know. Some people worry that this information could be misused or end up in the wrong hands. So, before giving a DNA sample, it’s important to think about how that information might be used and to make sure you’re comfortable with it.
Crime Framing
Sometimes, criminals can try to trick investigators by planting DNA evidence at a crime scene to make it look like someone else committed the crime. This is called “crime framing.” It’s like setting up a puzzle to make it look like someone else did it. This can be really serious because it can lead to innocent people getting blamed for things they didn’t do. That’s why it’s important for investigators to be really careful and thorough when they collect and analyze DNA evidence, to make sure they get the right person.
Know the Pros and Cons of DNA Fingerprinting
DNA evidence is crucial in solving crimes, but it’s not foolproof. While it helps find the guilty and free the innocent, it can also be misused or mishandled, leading to serious consequences. Understanding both its strengths and limitations is essential in ensuring justice. So, whether you’re a part of law enforcement, the legal system, or simply someone interested in justice, educating yourself about DNA evidence is key to making sure it’s used responsibly and ethically.
