Dna Evidence And Its Repercussions - 1374 Words

We will examine the importance of DNA in the conviction of Tommie Lee Andrews and the significance of this decision in the United States Judicial System. We will discuss an overview of some of the essential elements in conducting utilizing this DNA evidence and its repercussions. This case signified the first time in the United Sates that DNA evidence was actually admissible in court proceedings during a criminal trial. In 1986, in a neighborhood around the Orlando, Florida area a series of violent rapes had the city on edge. One of the victim s names was Nancy Hodge, who was brutally raped at knifepoint by her attacker. She only briefly saw the attacker and was not able to immediately identify him due to his hands having covered her†¦show more content†¦Due to the brief period that Hodge had been allowed to see her attacker, the prosecution felt that stronger evidence was needed to prove a connection. The brief 6-second glimpse that the victim Nancy Hodge obtained during he r ordeal wasn’t considered viable enough for trial purposes (Lewis). This relatively new forensic investigation technic involving the use of DNA fingerprinting was in its infancy and was pioneered by a British scientist might hold the answer to convicting the rapist. Because the mistrial of Andrews caught the prosecution off guard due to not having appropriate information or statistics of its viability, a new plan was needed. The prosecution felt that a stronger case against Andrews was needed to proceed in court. The prosecutor contacted a colleague familiar with principles of the DNA evidence in England for guidance. He then contacted a company in New York used to develop methods of DNA profiling or fingerprinting for assistance. Once the results of testing were completed in this case, it positively matched two of the six rapes being investigated. The problems associated with this technology were that no real national database that was established or in place for complete comparison, and the since the technology was considered being fairly new it would require it to go through anShow MoreRelatedDna And The Criminal Justice System872 Words   |  4 PagesDeoxyribonucleic Acid, otherwise known as DNA has played a crucial part in many investigations both past and present. It can be used to identify criminals when there is evidence left behind with incredible accuracy. DNA evidence is taken seriously enough that it can exonerate, or bring about a conviction. In Today’s society DNA evidence and technology is vital to the criminal justice system by ensuring accuracy and fairness. In 1984, Alec Jeffreys of the University of LeicesterRead MoreThe Use Of Genetic Modification Of Organisms1070 Words   |  5 Pagesprocess of extracting deoxyribonucleic acid from an organism and combing fragments (genes) of it with DNA of a separate organism. Consequently introducing new characteristics into the separate organism which alter its phenotypes and genotypes, furthermore when bred it will provide it’s offspring with different genotypical and phenotypical traits due to its parent/s alteration. The repercussions of genetic engineering with the intentions of increasing food production can vary in numerous ways. EvidentiallyRead MoreThe Use Of Dna Tests For Hair And Blood Samples897 Words   |  4 Pages Evidence to Convict Innocent People Scientific breakthroughs now allow the use of DNA tests for hair and blood samples that are about as reliable as fingerprint matching. While the evidence assists law enforcement, it allows defense attorneys to reopen cases to reevaluate solving crimes. Introduction When was the last time you have mistaken someone’s identity? What did the last person in class have on today? Wrongful convictions may begin during the investigative process. Police misconductRead More Against Proposition 69 and the DNA Fingerprint Act Essay1699 Words   |  7 PagesCalifornia’s Proposition 69 and the DNA Fingerprint Act both expand criminal DNA databases far beyond what is necessary to protect citizens and prosecute violent crime. DNA profiling techniques and databases have developed largely over the last fifteen years, and the recent expansions are only a part of an ongoing trend of ‘function creep’ that characterizes database expansion. Proposition 69 and the DNA Fingerprint Act expand DNA databases originally designed to house DNA samples from violent criminalsRead MoreThe Death Penalty Is The United States Justice System1542 Words   |  7 Pageswere wrongfully killed! With the arrival of DNA testing in the mid 80’s, by 1992, 17 death row inmates in the US where acquitted and released. The sad fact remains that all capital punishment cases don’t have DNA evidence, in fact many do not. It is terrifying to contemplate that whether a person lives or dies can be determined based on eyewitness testimony. The innocence Project researchers report that 73% of 239 convictions reversed because of DNA, were based on eyewitness testimony. The onlyRead MoreThe Death Penalty Does Not Deter Criminals From Committing Crime1477 Words   |  6 PagesThe death penalty does not deter criminals from committing crime. Most criminals who commit crimes do not have intentions of being caught and believe that they are invincible from the repercussions of their actions. Because of this, the de ath penalty really does not deter criminals from committing a crime. In fact, the death penalty could be considered an â€Å"easy way out† because the criminal does not have to spend several months, years, or even the rest of his or her life behind bars with little contactRead MoreEssay Wrongful Conviction Has Plagued the Canadian Justice System1121 Words   |  5 Pagestechnological revolution (Roberts, Grossman, 2012, 253 – 259). The introduction of more advanced DNA analysis has been able to clear names and prevent these incidences from occurring as often. As well as the formation of foundations such as The Association of Defense for the Wrongly Convicted (AIDWYC). Unfortunately, mistakes made in the Canadian Justice System have serious life altering repercussions for everyone that is involved. Both systematic and personal issues arise that require deeper andRead MoreThe Debate On Death Penalty1447 Words   |  6 Pagesdeath penalty In her book Last Words From Death Row: The Walls Unit, Norma Herrera writes about the tribulations she and her family went through while trying to free her brother, Leonel, from the death row. Despite showing glaring and overwhelming evidence claiming his innocence, Leonel was sentenced to death for a crime that he did not commit. His last words to the world were, â€Å"I am innocent, innocent, innocent. I am an innocent man, and something very wrong is taking place tonight.† (Herrera) ThoseRead MoreGuilt Is A Raw Emotion Of The Human Nature902 Words   |  4 Pagesconsequence of a wrong action, a child who made the decision to for example, take a cookie out of the jar; not understanding the repercussions of his actions. But their first reaction is that of being ashamed of the action they did and fear. These two are the most primal elements of the human nature. They are not learnt or acquired over time they are in built within the DNA of a human being. Guilt is specifically in built to the human nature specifically. It is a reaction of the human nature to theRead MorePro-Life: Abortion is Unethical and Immoral Essay example1606 Words   |  7 Pageshave been approximately 52,008,665 abortions performed in the United States and I think its about time we put an end to this abomination (NRLC par.7). First of all, the very presence of life, or DNA, defines personhood. When an embryo is created it is not just a mass of tissue, it’s a cell that carries DNA of both the mother and the father. Immediately, the embryo attaches to the mother and the brain, spinal chord, gastrointestinal tract, and heart begins to form. Next, the brain becomes active, arms