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DNA Evidence
DNA or Deoxyribonucleic Acid is commonly used to establish a link between crime scene evidence such as blood, urine and saliva with that of a possible suspect or to identify whether or not DNA found is that of the victim or is, in fact non-human, or used to establish sex.
Scientifically, DNA is the substance found in chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. That particular substance provides the genetic coding information that determines the individual characteristics that are found in each person. Scientists can break down the genetic code for an individual using a complicated method of four building blocks, that are referred to as bases. Although no two persons can have the same DNA with the exact same order of base pairs, there is an exception for identical twins since they are the product of a single union of one egg and one sperm.
DNA can be spoiled by different environments such as heat, humidity, light or other contaminants. Thus, it is important for practicing technicians to extract sufficient quantities of DNA from a crime scene. The question for the court is whether or not the DNA evidence accumulated at a crime scene will be admissible in evidence. In each case the court will make a seperate determination, whether or not that evidence is relative in the particular case. The court will also go the process of determining whether or not the evidence is presented by a qualified expert utilizing generally accepted scientific methods and techniques in analyzing the DNA. This process is generally determined by case law in the jurisdiction of the court in which the evidence is being presented.
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