DNA testing serves numerous purpose the present world; these purposes are primarily medical and police work. The medical applications of DNA testing are mainly to identify probable conditions and in paternity tests. In police work, on the other hand, DNA testing obtains evidence from the investigations. Every individual's DNA is unique from everybody else, the only exception that emerges in this is the case of Identical twins. DNA is present in all of the body and even in the body fluids such as semen, saliva, and blood. As such, DNA is becoming a major part of apprehending suspects and as evidence in court.
Law Enforcement
DNA collection began with Law enforcement attempts; this was Colorado in 1988 that required sex offender to provide DNA sample to police. The collection of DNA later moved other states for the same purpose. However, the databases collected by the states provided the basis and the framework by which other organizations and researcher could emulate in their DNA collection and developing their databases. Furthermore, FBI’s program for analyzing DNA CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is expected to aid in the research of junk DNA that could allow tremendous breakthrough in genetics.
Best Evidence Rule When Dealing With DNA Evidence
The best evidence rule is the rule applied in courts and it insists on the evidence being presented be the original evedence and not a copy. The only exception arises when the original copy is unobtainable. The primary rationale behind the best evidence rule is to avoid forgeries and ensure that the police are diligent in their investigations. DNA evidence is accepted as evidence in courtrooms on the grounds of the fact that it is the best evidence of its category.
References
American Bar Association. (2014, August 25). Standards on DNA Evidence . Retrieved from American Bar Organization : http://www.americanbar.org/publications/criminal_justice_section_archive/crimjust_standards_dnaevidence.html
MIchael, S. J., & Koehler, J. J. (2005). The coming paradigm shift in forensic identification science. Science , 892-895.
