Looking for help!

Thesis statement

An understanding of the DNA analysis and its advantages over other methods of criminal identification is very crucial to a forensic scientist assigned with unraveling a murder case.

Research question

What is the importance of DNA analysis as a method of criminal identification within the criminal justice system?

Hypothesis

This is done in the context of likelihood ratio. The Predictive Value (PV) of the maximum likelihood estimator of the number of the contributors to a DNA mixture shows the probability that a DNA stain comprises the DNAs of a given number of people using traces and body fluids. The PV varies in relation to the number of contributors involved in the DNA stain. Establishing the number of possible contributors to five, the lowest PV recorded for five person mixtures with a minimum value of 0.26 for traces, the values were above 0.94 for stains ranging between one and three contributors. The PV was increasingly high for four person mixtures. The results affirm that the likelihood-maximization is a solid approach for the determination of the number of contributors to forensic DNA mixtures. My working solution will be to collect, isolate and identify variable elements within the base pair sequence of the DNA sequence. With the exception of twin, each individual has a distinct pattern of mini-satellites. By obtaining the samples of cells from the crime scene such as skin, hair and blood cells, the DNA is extracted then purified. This is to be used for DNA profile match probability calculation with reference to those collected at the crime scene without prior knowledge of the history of the history of the samples from the suspects.

Measurement and Analysis Approach

The value of approach is important in relation to analyzing the investigative approach and criminal behavior. The measures I intend to use are: physical traces, archival material and simple observation. Physical traces occur in two forms namely: erosion which gauges the degree of elective wear. This can be applied in same way to human body decomposition so as to establish time since death occurred. In accretion the material deposits are used as research evidence. For example a drawing on the wall within the crime scene is used to collect fingerprints and ballistic evidence that contain DNA information. Archival information is to be obtained from the criminal databases like the Homicide Investigation Tracking System. The final measurement is observation whereby I will collect the information first hand. Observation of exterior physical sign such as tattoos could be used to determine gang membership. Expressive movement will be analyzed in the examination of various response behaviors so as to distinguish those are speaking the truth from those who are telling lies. Using RLFP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis I will follow the five steps: DNA isolation and purification, PCR amplification & restriction enzyme digestion, separation and detection of the digested products via electrophoresis, analysis of data to generate fragment profile for each sample and clustering analysis based on sample profiles.

Applicable resources

1. Bernice, S. (2013). Issues and dilemmas of Biotechnology, California: University of California Press

The author present views of scientist and doctors regarding issues such as: genetic testing, patenting of human gene sequence and cloning.

2. Jon, Z. (2014). Beyond the crime lab, Chicago, Pearson Publishers

In this book, the author discusses the technological trends that have been applied to collect evidence at the crime scene. Forensic experts use DNA typing, computer and physical anthropologic reconstructions.

3. Marilyn, B. (2011) Applications in Criminal Analysis, New York: Palma Publishers

The main book exhibits analyzes criminal and strategic analysis techniques while also showing how they support the criminal justice system.

4. John, H. (2009) The Practice of Crime Scene Investigation, Boston, Phoenix publishers

It documents the latest trends in education and training, quality systems accreditation and assurance. It discusses fingerprinting, photofit technology and clandestine forensic labs.

5. Hassan, B. (2014) Fraudulent Forensic Evidence: Malpractice in Crime Laboratories, Texas, Pontiac Publishers

The author writes about the backstage misfortunes that happen in the labs. He analyses the malpractice that goes on in the US publicly funded crime labs from an administrative perspective. These are attributed to organizational failure and individual error of forensic scientist. He winds up with public policy solutions to maintain efficiency of these institutions.

Ethical standards and legal responsibilities

To maintain ethical standards of the report which is heavily relied upon by the criminal justice system, the forensic personnel undertaking the DNA analysis must be highly qualified in order to provide adequate forensic evidence. The samples collected should be scientifically analyzed and should not be tampered with. The forensic personnel must maintain integrity so that they are not compromised through corruption or biased intimidation.

In most cases, forensic scientists are required to testify in a court of law as witnesses or to interpret the results of DNA analysis. The report will contain an oath that discloses the truth in the criminal proceedings. Unless otherwise required by law, the disclosures of the suspect to the forensic scientists should be guarded and not used against them.

References

Barnett, P. D. (2001). Ethics in forensic science: professional standards for the practice of criminalistics, Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Richards, J. (2002). Ethics in Forensic Science: Professional Standards for the Practice of Criminalistion. Criminal Justice Review (Georgia State University), 27(2), 390-391

John, H. (2009) The Practice of Crime Scene Investigation, Boston, Phoenix publishers

Jon, Z. (2014). Beyond the crime lab, Chicago, Pearson Publishers

Hassan, B. (2014). Fraudulent Forensic Evidence: Malpractice in Crime Laboratories, Texas, Pontiac Publishers