The advancement of forensic science has progressed immensely since its conception. The contributions it has made for the legal system are immense. One such example are its techniques used to extract DNA during forensic cases. DNA is considered to be one of the most well regarded and highly assessed sources of information (Gershaw et al., 2010). Another important development used during investigations is CODIS or the Combined DNA Index System. This is a computer database funded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It stores information such as DNA profiles which are inserted into the database by the local, state, and federal crime laboratories in the United States (Gershaw et al., 2010).
DNA profiling is a technique which analyzes the genetic …show more content…
This has led to a nationwide debate in whether it is an appropriate protocol to subject an offender’s relative to a DNA sample. Despite the uncertainty, a number of states have begun to incorporate familial searches into their policies. As a result, this process became an issue as it brings forth questions of whether it violates the rights of individuals living within the United States. This paper will discuss the pros and cons of this issue, concluding with my personal opinion.
This technique is beneficial as it assists with capturing offenders. One prime example is the arrest of the Grim Sleeper. To summarize, Los Angeles, California was plagued by one of the most brutal serial killers known as the Grim Sleeper. This individual had raped and murdered about eight female prostitutes between the years 1985 and 1988 (Paddock, 2011). Suddenly, in 2002, the Grim Sleeper struck again. To apprehend the individual, a partial DNA sample was collected from the victims and inserted into the database. Upon searching for a match, the search revealed the DNA matched to Christopher Franklin (Paddock, 2011). Judging from Franklin’s age and the years the attacks occurred, it was concluded that someone with similar DNA, but older, committed the old, heinous crimes. Hence, it led to the arrest of Franklin’s father, Lonnie Franklin Jr. The DNA collected from a slice of pizza confirmed that Franklin’s father indeed was the perpetrator who committed the older crimes. As such, this demonstrates …show more content…
This can cause problems within the family. Another reason is that it can disclose information not pertinent to the case. Not only does it release information, it exposes the privacy of the individual contacted by the law enforcement. This places everyone at great risk. Furthermore, it violates the Fourth Amendment, which is against unlawful search or seizure. Yet, many families will comply with law enforcement because of their fear in being considered potential suspects or accomplices. This leads them to waive their
Fourth Amendment right, exposing their personal information to authorities.
In an ideal, just world, it would be great to use this technique as it would be beneficial to the law enforcement. However, I am opposed to this as it involves the lives of innocent people.
The moment they surrendered their private lives, it can cause a turbulence within the family.
DNA profiling is a technique which analyzes the genetic …show more content…
This has led to a nationwide debate in whether it is an appropriate protocol to subject an offender’s relative to a DNA sample. Despite the uncertainty, a number of states have begun to incorporate familial searches into their policies. As a result, this process became an issue as it brings forth questions of whether it violates the rights of individuals living within the United States. This paper will discuss the pros and cons of this issue, concluding with my personal opinion.
This technique is beneficial as it assists with capturing offenders. One prime example is the arrest of the Grim Sleeper. To summarize, Los Angeles, California was plagued by one of the most brutal serial killers known as the Grim Sleeper. This individual had raped and murdered about eight female prostitutes between the years 1985 and 1988 (Paddock, 2011). Suddenly, in 2002, the Grim Sleeper struck again. To apprehend the individual, a partial DNA sample was collected from the victims and inserted into the database. Upon searching for a match, the search revealed the DNA matched to Christopher Franklin (Paddock, 2011). Judging from Franklin’s age and the years the attacks occurred, it was concluded that someone with similar DNA, but older, committed the old, heinous crimes. Hence, it led to the arrest of Franklin’s father, Lonnie Franklin Jr. The DNA collected from a slice of pizza confirmed that Franklin’s father indeed was the perpetrator who committed the older crimes. As such, this demonstrates …show more content…
This can cause problems within the family. Another reason is that it can disclose information not pertinent to the case. Not only does it release information, it exposes the privacy of the individual contacted by the law enforcement. This places everyone at great risk. Furthermore, it violates the Fourth Amendment, which is against unlawful search or seizure. Yet, many families will comply with law enforcement because of their fear in being considered potential suspects or accomplices. This leads them to waive their
Fourth Amendment right, exposing their personal information to authorities.
In an ideal, just world, it would be great to use this technique as it would be beneficial to the law enforcement. However, I am opposed to this as it involves the lives of innocent people.
The moment they surrendered their private lives, it can cause a turbulence within the family.