NCJ Number
230583
Journal
Forensic Magazine Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: February-March 2010 Pages: 35-40
Date Published
February 2010
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines new tools for enhancing DNA casework analysis.
Abstract
The utilization of PCR based methods has progressed from D1S80 amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis and DQA1 and Polymarker Reverse Dot Blot Hybridization assays to today's highly discriminatory multiplex STR systems. These technological advances now enable increasing amounts of genetic information to be obtained from limited quantities of a wide variety of extremely challenging samples that previously yielded little or no results, leading to a greater reliance on, and demand for, DNA testing in criminal cases. The success of leveraging DNA during the investigative process has driven the passage of new legislation, increased sharing of DNA information between countries, and initiated a rigorous evaluation of the use of DNA for a larger number and wider variety of criminal cases. Scientific limitations of DNA testing are expected to continue to dissolve as more cases using DNA testing are resolved. Figures and references