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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper delves into the science of DNA processing and why it is reliable, but not completely accurate. Several examples are given. The problem of identical twins is discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA344DNA.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
with evidence guidelines, and while DNA information is considered very reliable, and much more reliable than other forensic evidence, it must be considered in light of other findings. One
cannot use DNA to match a person beyond all doubt, but in court cases, DNA can be matched for the "beyond a shadow of a doubt" criterion. DNA
fingerprinting is a technique on which conclusions are based regarding the "probability that segments of genetic material occur randomly across the population" (Schefter, 1994, p. 60). Thus, odds against the
found match "at five or more loci" occurring by chance is very high (1994). In other words, if a great deal of evidence is found at a crime scene and
DNA evidence reveals a match, even if the match is not beyond all doubt--it could belong to a stranger--the odds of that occurring are slim. Of course, if for instance
there are several family members who are suspect, DNA can be less useful. Still, family members can easily be ruled out. It is that one in a million stranger for
whom it could be that often gives the defense fodder to argue their case. This is true even with compelling DNA evidence. For instance, in RFLP analysis, probabilities range
from "one in tens of thousands to one in hundreds of thousands, or even a million" (Schefter, 1994, p. 60). Again, although it is true that DNA provides good evidence,
it is not beyond all doubt. Another problem aside from the possibility of the culprit being a close family member, is also that there are similarities among racial groups
(1994). There are also differences between Restriction Enzyme Cleavage and VNTRs. Restriction enzymes cleave DNA do create DNA fragments that vary in size in the case when
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