DNA in Forensic Criminology

MHSBI 4UIn Forensic Criminology

(DNA) Deoxyribonucleic acidDNA is thought of as a recipe for lifeDNA is the nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions that bring us to lifeFound in the nucleus of every cell in the human body Four bases: A, T, C, GOur DNA is 99.9% identical0.1 % is different, 3 million base pairs

Dr. Alec JeffreysDr. Jeffreys discovered the use of DNA in forensicsFingerprinting was the first method of evidenceSearched for a more accurate methodDNA in forensic criminology is the use of DNA to match a criminal to a crime sceneWhich was powerful enough to implicate or eliminate a suspect

Southern Hybridization Method

Extracted DNA from evidence is compared to DNA extracted from reference samples ElectrophoresisNegatively charged DNAs migrate towards the positive electrode Smaller DNA fragments move faster

Transferred to a nylon membrane (like paper)

A single locus probe is a DNA or RNA sequence that is able to hybridize with DNA from a specific restriction fragmentationSingle locus probes are usually tagged with a radioactive label for easy detection

A relatives DNA can be used if there is no body to be analyzed

We can extract DNA from almost everythingBloodHairSemenSaliva Skin

We call this evidence trace evidenceMay be enough evidence to put someone away (Ex. taxi)

Murder at Rodman Dam, 1988

In July 1987, Randall Scott Jones and Chris Reesh were target shooting (with .3-30 rifles)

Truck got stuck in a sandpit

Found a couple sleeping in their truck, Matthew Brock and Kelly Lynn Perry

They ended up driving away with both trucks What happened?Matthew and Kelly were shot..

Bodies were found in a nearby forest (both shot)

Kelly appeared to have been sexually abused

Warrant was issued by court

Confessed as soon as the DNA results were announced

DNA Databases2 Types First Type: Known DNA Second Type: Unknown DNA

Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)

Wrongfully AccusedWorked on freeing the wrongfully accused Many were set freeSaved from the death penaltyVarious speeches all over the internet

Volunteer?

Suspect #2

Pig ExperimentUsed to train forensic scientists who get involved right awayPigs have similar skin to a humanUsed to build their knowledge on the insects that decompose a body

Compared to Television

ConclusionUsing DNA in forensic criminology has helped the justice system greatlyHas sent/taken people to/from prisonDNA lasts foreverWe can improve on the time it takes to analyze DNA

References_____. (1999). Forensic DNA. Retrieved from: http://library.thinkquest.org/28599/courtroom.htmHuman Genome Project Information. (2009). DNA Forensics. Retrieved from: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtmlNute, Dale. (1999). Advice about a Career in Forensic Science. Retrieved from: htpps://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.htmlWilliam C. Thompson. (2008). The Potential for Error in Forensic DNA Testing (and How ThatComplicates the Use of DNA Databases for Criminal Identification). Retrieved from: http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/pageDocuments/H4T5EOYUZI.pdf_____. (2010). Forensic DNA analysis in the identification of humanremains in mass graves. Retrieved from: http://academicjournals.org/JCPFM/PDF/Pdf2010/Mar/Jakovski et al.pdfAdvancing Criminal Justice Through DNA Technology. (2010). History of Forensic DNA Analysis. Retrieved from: http://www.dna.gov/basics/analysishistory_____. (2008). Has DNA testing led to significant improvements in the criminal justice system?. Retrieved from: http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001189CBC News Canada. (2010). Key events in the Bernardo/Homolka Case. Retrieved from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2010/06/16/f-bernardo-homolka-timeline.htmlNational Criminal Justice Reference Service. (2003). Forensic Science. Retrieved from: http://www.policyalmanac.org/crime/archive/forensic_science.shtmlCold Spring Harbor Laboratory. (2003). State of Florida vs. Jones and Reesh, Murder at Rodman Dam, 1988. Retrieved from: http://www.dnai.org/d/index.html?m=1,3Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2007). Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Retrieved from: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/codis_____. (2001). What is DNA?. Retrieved from: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/bulletins/dna_4_2001/dna2_4_01.htmlThe Biology Project. (1996). DNA Forensics Problem Set 1. Retrieved from: http://www.biology.arizona.edu/human_bio/problem_sets/DNA_forensics_1/01t.htmlDetective Ray Rikic ( Head of the Hamilton Forensics Police Department)

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