Crime Scene Evidence

CRIME SCENE EVIDENCE

ABSTRACT

DNA Evidence is such an integral part of Crime Scene Investigation today . There is a need for its proper understanding and implementation Otherwise , the technology would be useless to convict erring criminals At worse , the possibilities of wrongful conviction are there . The three journal articles presented forms part of the current literature on the matter

PROBLEM

How does DNA evidence lead to conviction and wrongful conviction in criminal trials

Show of Interest

DNA evidence is an interesting for me . Today , our idea of what

br the criminal justice system looks like is shaped by the myriad of multimedia exposure we receive everyday . Everyday , we see crime scene investigation portrayed in a slew of television shows and movies Personally , I have watched a couple of series that have portrayed these investigations from the more standard national geographic shows to the more popular C .S .I series in the United States and abroad . In these shows , more often than not , we hear the phrase DNA evidence ' being found in the clothes of the accused suspects , their bodily secretions and the like

DNA evidence is more properly known as deoxyribonucleic acid . It is found in the nucleus of the different kinds of cells that make up the human body . It is common knowledge that DNA is unique to the individual . From the shows , we realize that it is a kind of evidence that has been accepted in our courts to a certain level and has been used to convict criminals . As a matter of fact , it is an important tool in crime investigation these days

In the movies , we often see how this kind of evidence has lead to the conviction of criminals . However , I have often been left asking in what instances does this kind of evidence lead to wrongful convictions . When we talk about real life , what do crime scene investigators look for What do agents in the field need to know in not to wrongfully convict innocent bystanders and even the accused

Goal

The basic goal of this is to go through a review of current literature to answer this problem . The field of DNA evidence has been in existence for quite some time . However , the techniques and methods used in the field constantly changes with technology . By reviewing these new updated journals in the field , it is my goal to find an adequate answer to the problem

Literature Review

For the review of current literature , we refer to journals by the National Institute of Justice . This institution is the research development and evaluation agency of the US Department of Justice . It is dedicated to researching crime control and justice issues . The institute provides objective , independent , evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice , particularly at the State and local levels . NIJ 's principal authorities are derived from the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 , as amended (see 42 USC 3721-3723 ) and Title II of the Homeland...