How Does DNA Help Solve Criminal Cases

With the discovery of DNA it has become harder for criminals to get away with a crime undetected. DNA is physical evidence that can be linked to a certain person setting them at the scene of a crime. No one’s DNA is the same.  

Post-Conviction

DNA evidence has been used to overturn convictions from the past. People that have spent years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit have been set free due to DNA evidence.

Cold Cases

There are tons and tons of cases that have never been solved and are sitting in the cold case files. Many cases have been solved since DNA was discovered bringing closure to many families and putting criminals behind bars.

Databases

Another good thing about DNA is it can be collected, kept and stored. This way the justice system has a wide database of DNA to keep track of convicted criminals. This helps to serve justice quicker and more efficiently.

The Types of Cases

While DNA evidence can be used in a number of criminal cases the widest majority where it is helpful are murder and rape cases. DNA left behind on the victim or at the crime scene can be collected easier because of the physical contact involved in both crimes. DNA has been responsible for putting many rapist and murderers behind bars that would have gone free in the past.

Evolution

With all of that being said and everything the advent of DNA has done for the justice system, it is still a relatively new concept. Strides are being made every day in DNA studies however and it is getting stronger.