The identification of individuals through their genetic material, developed by Alec Jeffreys. It was first used to convict a criminal in the Colin Pitchfork case of 1988, and has since become a central technology for both conviction and exoneration. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
What It ExaminesHighly variable regions of the human genome, compared between a crime scene sample and a known sample to establish or exclude a common source with quantifiable statistical weight. 1 Formalized YearSourced to the subject's own accountThe year Alec Jeffreys developed DNA fingerprinting at the University of Leicester. Known LimitationPartial, degraded or mixed samples from more than one contributor can reduce the statistical power of a match and complicate interpretation of the profile. 1 Discipline
Discipline (category)Pathology / Biology (incl. DNA) 1 Connections
Associated With
CODIS is the national database infrastructure built on DNA profiling.
Source Wikipedia: Combined DNA Index System
Forensic serology historically preceded DNA profiling and now commonly serves as its preliminary screening step.
Source Wikipedia: Forensic Serology
NFSU, a dedicated forensic-science university, runs its own DNA-analysis laboratories and degree coursework alongside its other forensic disciplines.
Source Wikipedia: National Forensic Sciences University
The database holds DNA profiles taken from individuals and crime scenes for identification and matching.
Source Wikipedia: National DNA Database
Cases Where Used
A court-ordered independent review found numerous basic errors in how the contested DNA evidence was gathered and analyzed.
Source Wikipedia: Murder of Meredith Kercher
Post-conviction DNA testing matched semen evidence to Matias Reyes rather than to the five originally convicted teenagers.
Source Wikipedia: Central Park Jogger Case
The first murder conviction obtained through DNA profiling.
Source Wikipedia: Colin Pitchfork
Investigative genetic genealogy built on a public genealogy-database DNA match identified Joseph James DeAngelo in 2018.
Source Wikipedia: Joseph James DeAngelo
DNA analysis of preserved evidence identified Gary Ridgway two decades after the murders.
Source Wikipedia: Gary Ridgway
DNA evidence from blood at the scene and on physical evidence was central to the prosecution case.
Source Wikipedia: O. J. Simpson murder case
Post-conviction DNA testing that found no biological evidence linking the defendants to the crime scene was central to the Alford plea that freed them in 2011.
Source Wikipedia: West Memphis Three
Examines Within
Pioneered By
Source Wikipedia: Alec Jeffreys
Sources
1. Saferstein, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
Richard Saferstein, Pearson
2. Wikipedia: Alec Jeffreys
In Group: Biological Evidence and DNA, Lead sentenceQuote, In Group: Biological Evidence and DNA, Lead sentence
Sir Alec John Jeffreys (born 9 January 1950) is a British geneticist known for developing techniques for genetic fingerprinting and DNA profiling which are now used worldwide in forensic science to assist police detective work and to resolve paternity and immigration disputes.
Wikipedia: Combined DNA Index System
Wikipedia: Colin Pitchfork
Wikipedia: Gary Ridgway
Wikipedia: Forensic Serology
Wikipedia: Murder of Meredith Kercher
Cases Where Used: Amanda Knox Case, DNA evidence review sectionQuote, Cases Where Used: Amanda Knox Case, DNA evidence review section
no evidential trace of Kercher's DNA had been found on the alleged murder weapon
Wikipedia: National DNA Database
Associated With: UK National DNA Database, Lead sectionQuote, Associated With: UK National DNA Database, Lead section
The first national DNA database in the United Kingdom was established in April 1995, called National DNA Database (NDNAD).
Wikipedia: Joseph James DeAngelo
Wikipedia: O. J. Simpson murder case
Wikipedia: Central Park Jogger Case
Wikipedia: West Memphis Three
Wikipedia: National Forensic Sciences University
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.