Understand The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Dna Profiling

In order to understand the advantages and disadvantages of DNA profiling one must have a full understanding of what it is. DNA profiling, also referred to as DNA fingerprinting or genetic fingerprinting, is the process of identifying an individual by analyzing their DNA samples (body tissues, body fluids, bone, hair). This process did not exist until the mid-1980’s when English Scientist, Dr. Alec Jeffreys, discovered that DNA contains repetitive patterns that vary from individual to individual and tested to measure the variation in length of the repetitions.

Examples of DNA profiling used today would be paternity tests and criminal cases. In paternity tests the DNA from the child is compared to the DNA of the possible fathers to identify the father. (has many benefits beyond child support). Another example of it in use would be in law enforcement where the DNA samples from the crime scene and the suspects are
This accuracy comes from, like stated above, the patterns contained in DNA that vary from individual to individual the possibility of one's DNA to match another's almost impossible. Since DNA profiling was not discovered until recently there are numerous reexaminations of the evidence from previous cases that prove many convicted individuals innocent. Even though most places accept DNA evidence, different states have different standards and if there is a failure to meet these standards it can result in a rejection of the use of the evidence in court. An example of these “standards” would be defense attorneys observing the intentions of forensic analysts and investigators to see if they’re in an attempt to cast doubt on the results. An example of this situation would be the defense strategy used in the O.J. Simpson