DNA Testing – Boosting Convictions In The Justice System

DNA testing is the most conclusive way to establish the identity of genetic material, as well as proving parentage. However, its use is becoming more and more prolific in the field of criminal justice and police work.

Thanks to advances in DNA testing, police forces are now finding it easier and faster to solve investigations and make convictions. New testing techniques have come into play, opening up the field, and providing reliable forensic evidence on which to base criminal convictions.

Scientifically, DNA testing is the most accurate way to determine a genetic relationship. It is also the best way to identify genetic material found at a crime scene, in many instances confirming whether or not a suspect was at a scene, or bore the DNA of a victim.

DNA usage, however, has its critics with many suggesting that it may be prejudiced against the accused, and as a result of this it has been suggested that the jury is explained about the nature of the evidence beforehand.

The main advantage of DNA evidence in a court case is that it can place a defendant at the scene of a crime, and/or confirm whether they came into contact with the victim.  Combined with the rest of the evidence, like witness I.D and testimony, DNA testing can be an important factor as to the guilt or innocence of the accused.

DNA results have been used in legal courts across the globe, and have won important convictions against dangerous criminals. On the flip side, however, there have been cases of appeal verdicts that have been heard purely on the basis of overly prejudicial evidence. It must be understood that DNA evidence does not prove an individual has committed a crime; it only proves a persons presence at a scene, which is highly circumstantial but not necessarily critical. This type of evidence can, however, be misleading to jury members depending on the claims of those presenting it.