DNA testing Essay - 927 Words

DNA testing has overthrown the way police collect evidence in a number of criminal cases, especially rape and murder and consequently had a large impact on many past cases. However there are many disadvantages to DNA testing, such as a challenge of accuracy, the costs of DNA testing and the possible misuse of DNA. The prospect of a national DNA database in Australia has been heavily criticised with complaints of invasion of privacy and stigma against those with terminal diseases. Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA as it is most commonly known, is a strand of molecules found within the cell nucleus of all living things. It is called a â€Å"genetic fingerprint† because each is different to the other and everyone, apart from identical twins, have†¦show more content†¦Another downside to the use of DNA is the misuse of results. Victims with AIDS feel that they might be stigmatised if their DNA is stored in a national database and it could be used against them. The prospect of a genetic database in Australia has been raised recently. The federal police are pushing for a national database to help solve crime and are asking for legislation to be allowed to collect DNA samples from people accused, or suspected of committing an offence (the Australian, 06.12.1997 see appendix one) The proposal has sparked a moral dilemma. Victoria has had a DNA database since 1992 with the reasoning that, if a suspect is cleared, their DNA must be erased off the list. However, recently Victorian government has allowed police to collect samples from more suspected criminals, not just those accused of murder, serious assault or rape. Now they are allowed to collect from those accused of drug trafficking, arson causing death and aggravated burglary. Privacy is also another big issue surrounding the plans for a database. Chairman of the New South Wales privacy council says that the prospect of a genetic database is a â€Å"cavalier disregard for people’s privacy† Recently it was passed that all states, apart from Western Australia have the right to compose a DNA database (The Sydney Telegraph, 22.04.2001 see appendix two) and already there had been a few flaws found. WithShow MoreRelatedThe Discovery Of Dna Testing1179 Words   |  5 PagesDeoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). The discovery of DNA has greatly enhanced our ability to analyze ancient remains and interpret the findings within the field of archeology. To fully demonstrate the impact that DNA has brought to the field of archeology it is important to understand the historical discovery of DNA and initial integration into the field of archeology, the use in present day archeology, the advancements and refinements of DNA testing, and the future applications of DNA testing within the fieldRead MoreLegal Aspects Of Dna Testing3367 Words   |  14 PagesLaShay Robbins DNA Technologies FRSC 620.102 Research Paper Legal Aspects of DNA Testing and the Scientific Expert in Court DNA testing like many other tools in forensics to identify suspects has been through various evaluations to uncover its validity. These evaluations are necessary because the results of DNA testing can help to exclude, include, and can even be used to convict suspects. The weight of DNA testing is heavy in that can be used to alter a person’s life forever,hence, the legalRead MoreIs Dna Ancestry Testing Accurate?1645 Words   |  7 PagesIs DNA ancestry testing accurate? 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Because of its reliability,Read More DNA Testing and the Conviction of Criminals Essay1766 Words   |  8 PagesDNA Testing and the Conviction of Criminals There have been many incidents where cases have needed a solid prosecution in order to convict the defendant in a murder or rape case. This is where DNA Testing comes in to help. By taking a DNA test, a person can be found guilty or not guilty. If a person claims they have been raped there can be a sperm sample taken from the suspect in order to prove that he is guilty or not. In addition, in a murder case there can be blood taken from the suspectRead MoreDna Testing And The Second Amendment1276 Words   |  6 PagesDNA AS EVIDENCE DNA testing was first used in criminal prosecutions in 1985 and is now admissible in all states. (Hails, 184) Scientific and legal communities seem to universally accept the use of DNA as â€Å"good† evidence. Questions could arise regarding testing procedures. There are several testing methods that have been proven reliable and easily pass general acceptance and scientific validity tests. This is causes number of Daubert cases questioning DNA to decline. â€Å"In most cases, the tests thatRead More DNA Chip - Genetic Testing of the Future Essay2397 Words   |  10 PagesDNA Chip - Genetic Testing of the Future Many, if not most diseases, have their roots in our genes. Genes, through the proteins they encode, determine how efficiently we process foods, how effectively we detoxify poisons, and how vigorously we respond to infections. In the past 20 years, amazing new techniques have allowed scientists to learn a great deal about how genes work and how they are linked to disease. This rapid pace of discovery of genetic factors, responsible for certain diseases,Read MoreDna Testing And The Process Of Solving Crimes1481 Words   |  6 PagesDNA Testing Today DNA is used for the process of solving crimes, and it all started in England. In the early 1980 s in the English countryside the police were trying their hardest to find the man who was raping and murdering young teenage girls. The police had used all their resources and the investigation had reached a devastating end until they relied on one scientist who had invented what is now used with almost every crime today. On the evening of November 21, 1983, Lynda Mann was walkingRead MoreNinteen Years Gone: Using DNA Testing to Catch the Crimals Essay560 Words   |  3 Pagescrime that they did not commit. So how, with all of our technology now are they still locked away behind bars? How can people just sit by and let innocent men rot away in prison while the true perpetrator of the crime is still at large? DNA, that is how. DNA testing is a fairly recent development that has allowed many wrongly convicted men to walk free after spending decades of their life in a cell. For Frank Sterling this is exactly how it happened. He was convicted of a 1988 murder. By 2010 he