Forensic Dna Test
The study of evidence found at a crime scene is called forensics. When DNA evidence is used as evidence to convict or exonerate a suspect the test are classified as forensic DNA tests. DNA test have revolutionized the criminal justice system and the way that evidence is examined, similar to the changes fingerprints made to crime fighting more than 100 years ago.
This science is a permanent fixture within the criminal justice system now. It helps investigators solve crimes and has freed innocent people from imprisonment for crimes they did not commit. That said, the promise of DNA in forensics is not entirely seen. Case after case file of DNA evidence still waits for testing because the system is so back logged. Some states use forensic DNA testing more than others. However, federal funding for DNA testing is intended to encourage states to be discriminatory on what cases are tested. Additionally, there are no complete statistic to gauge the impact of DNA testing on the criminal justice system.
DNA forensic testing is not cheap. In cases of rape the cost can be as low as $500, but a murder case can cost the criminal justice system upwards of $10,000. depending on the type of evidence a sample may require several testing methods. Additionally, cost is often based upon the integrity or condition of the sample.
The fact is, forensic DNA testing is still new. England first used DNA testing back in August of 1987. It made its US debut in Florida just three months later. That said, it has quickly emerged as the gold standard in evidentiary proof in the United States justice system. DNA is perfect for the justice system because of the fact that each individual has their own genetic blueprint leaving little room for error. All types of DNA can be left at a crime, blood, semen, hair and skin.
The CODIS is seen on many TV shows,, and it is widely used in forensic science. This was launched in 1992 by the FBI. It is a database of DNA linked by state. It keeps track of repeat offenders, by keeping their genetic profile in the database. It makes solving crimes more simple in many cases. It even keeps the genetic profile of unknown suspects on file from unsolved crime scenes. All 50 states have had a CODIS databases for more than ten years now.