Version 1
: Received: 7 March 2024 / Approved: 7 March 2024 / Online: 7 March 2024 (12:54:03 CET)
How to cite:
Odah, M. The Double Helix of Justice: The Crucial Role of DNA in Advancing Criminal Investigations. Preprints2024, 2024030450. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0450.v1
Odah, M. The Double Helix of Justice: The Crucial Role of DNA in Advancing Criminal Investigations. Preprints 2024, 2024030450. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0450.v1
Odah, M. The Double Helix of Justice: The Crucial Role of DNA in Advancing Criminal Investigations. Preprints2024, 2024030450. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0450.v1
APA Style
Odah, M. (2024). The Double Helix of Justice: The Crucial Role of DNA in Advancing Criminal Investigations. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0450.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Odah, M. 2024 "The Double Helix of Justice: The Crucial Role of DNA in Advancing Criminal Investigations" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0450.v1
Abstract
This review article delves into the pivotal role of DNA in advancing criminal investigations, presenting a comprehensive analysis of its impact on modern justice systems. DNA, as the genetic blueprint of individuals, has revolutionized forensic science, augmenting the accuracy and reliability of criminal investigations. This study explores the historical evolution of DNA analysis, from its initial discovery to the development of sophisticated techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), short tandem repeat (STR) profiling, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The article elucidates the intricate process of DNA collection, preservation, and analysis, highlighting its significance in establishing identity, proving guilt or innocence, and resolving cold cases. The utilization of DNA databases and international cooperation in cross-border investigations are also examined, emphasizing their contributions to solving complex criminal cases. Moreover, the ethical, legal, and privacy considerations surrounding DNA usage in criminal justice are critically evaluated. Through a comprehensive literature review, this article synthesizes empirical evidence showcasing how DNA evidence has exonerated wrongfully convicted individuals and provided closure to victims' families. It further elucidates how technological advancements have extended DNA analysis to trace evidence, touch DNA, and forensic genealogy, thereby broadening its application in criminal investigations.
Keywords
DNA analysis; Forensic science; Criminal investigations; Genetic profiling; Cold cases; DNA databases; Forensic genealogy
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
