DNA fingerprinting in the criminal justice system: an overview.
DNA fingerprinting is a powerful technology that has revolutionized forensic science. No two individuals can have an identical DNA pattern except identical twins. Such DNA-based technologies have enormous social implications and can help in the fight against crime. This technology has experienced many changes over time with many advancements occurring. DNA testing is a matter of serious concern as it involves ethical issues. This article describes various trends in DNA fingerprinting and the current technology used in DNA profiling, possible uses and misuses of DNA databanks and ethical issues involved in DNA testing. Limitations and problems prevailing in this field are highlighted.
Varsha
Laboratory of DNA Fingerprinting Services, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India. varsha@cdfd.org.in
D003416:Criminal Law; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D030561:Databases, Nucleic Acid / Q000941:ethics*; D005544:Forecasting; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide