SIGNIFICANCE OF FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS IN THE CRIMIAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Abstract

Revolutionary discoveries in genetics and molecular biology were made in the second half of the 20-th century. During that period, secondary structure of dna was described, it’s role in inheritance was explaned and the correlation with many diseases was made. Genes were identified as DNA sequences that are carriers of hereditary traits. Those sequences encode directly for a specific protein that has some of the important functions in our body, and is important for normal growth and development. It was also shown that there are regions of DNA which have no-coding function, and which have great variability that varies between individuals. DNA fingerprint is generated by identifying those sequences with certain scientific methods. Process of introducing and accepting the theory of DNA finger printig in the criminal justice system was followed by a number of controversis. This text will lead to some important features of DNA molecule that are important in forensic analysis. It will also point out to some methodes of DNA sequence identification and development of DNA fingerprint. Several famouse court cases will be mentioned to emphasize the immense importance of this method for the justice system.