Annotated Bibliography On Genetic Information

DNA testing is the most accurate way to identify an individual, and should therefore be used to increase the effectiveness of our justice system. This brings to light the issue of genetic privacy. Society questions the motives of government in DNA collection and floods the media, which acts as an informal actor on the court, with ideas of this invasion of privacy and encroachment of biological liberties. The 2010 article, Create a National DNA Database? stated that “such sensitive information is prone to misuse, and one should not have such blind faith in the security of government access to it.” EPIC, the electronic privacy

CODIS has many uses in forensic science cases where DNA is involved. In a case where a DNA sample is collected the CODIS database can be used to compare the DNA sample to DNA samples of convicted criminals in the CODIS database to identify possible suspects in the case if a match is found. CODIS can also be used to connect multiple cases. If a DNA sample that is collected at a crime scene matches a sample that was collected at a different crime scene investigators can establish a connection which can lead to more information that can be used to solve the case. In addition to CODIS allowing investigators to find DNA matches, CODIS can be used to exclude suspects as well. If a DNA sample is collected at a crime scene and run through the CODIS

   The Human Genome Project is the largest scientific endeavor undertaken since the Manhattan Project, and, as with the Manhattan Project, the completion of the Human Genome Project has brought to surface many moral and ethical issues concerning the use of the knowledge gained from the project. Although genetic tests for certain diseases have been available for 15 years (Ridley, 1999), the completion of the Human Genome Project will certainly lead to an exponential increase in the number of genetic tests available. Therefore, before genetic testing becomes a routine part of a visit to a doctor's office, the two main questions at the heart of the controversy surrounding genetic testing must be

DNA analysts have been profiling DNA since 1985. Then in 1998, the Combined DNA Index System became fully operational (“FAQs” 2010). CODIS’s three levels are the national level, the state level, and the local level. As September 2015, there is 14,740,249 DNA profiles in CODIS (“CODIS”, n.d.). Since everybody has different DNA, except identical twins, DNA analysts have been able to assists with investigator to determine between who is guilty and who is innocent. With some of their findings, they are able to exonerate individuals, who have been wrongfully convicted. Even though television may make DNA analysts’ life look simple on the screen, it is not. There is need for interest and education. Lastly, the actual job that entails for the DNA

With over three million base pairs in the human gene, forensic scientists are able to distinguish a person’s genetic makeup.

Bodily privacy is a significant issue in Genetic Profiling, as it is a human right which is in constant need of law reform. Technology is continually advancing, and genetic

The mishandling and contamination of evidence poses serious threats to the achievement of justice within the court. In October of 2009, Wyong Local Court was forced to overturn a burgular’s conviction after samples were mishandled in the laboratory, leading to a false match. Victoria has also experienced problems with DNA contamination, leading to a

Basically, our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is our genes, and every person, except for twins, are born with a different DNA profile and that is in a giant database, containing every DNA profile of every person in the world. DNA testing started in 1985 by scientist Alec Jeffreys and was first used to solve a crime a year later. Before 1985 DNA evidence could not be used in court because it wasn’t invented yet, this increased the number of wrongful convictions which would have been prevented using DNA analysis. However, DNA analysis can still be used to solve crimes that occurred prior to the invention of DNA analysis, with a sufficient amount of DNA to be analyzed of course, which is a very small amount. Only a small amount of DNA is needed to find out who it belongs to, it can be found in blood, saliva, finger residue, hair, skin, semen and more.

Even though DNA evidence is generally linked to an offenders profile through DNA database. In the late 1980’s the federal government laid a ground work for the system of state, local and national DNA databases for the storage and exchange of the DNA profiles. This system was named the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Maintaining DNA profiles set of databases that can be shared to the law enforcements all across the country. The CODIS can compare crime scene evidence that has been stored to a database of DNA profiles obtaining previous offenders. This

The two recessive alleles are both on the same chromosome. Genes A and B completely follow Mendel’s principles of inheritance; genes B and C are physically connected together and never are separated from each other at any time during any cell division cycle or fertilization event. Draw below the gamete genotypes that this individual could produce.

The genetic technology revolution has proved to be both a blessing and a blight. The Human Genome Project is aimed at mapping and sequencing the entire human genome. DNA chips are loaded with information about human genes. The chip reveals specific information about the individuals’ health and genetic makeup (Richmond & Germov 2009).The technology has been described as a milestone by many in that it facilitates research, screening, and treatment of genetic conditions. However, there have been fears that the technology permits a reduction in privacy when the information is disclosed. Many argue that genetic information can also be used unfairly to discriminate against or stigmatize individuals (Willis 2009).

They use this information to put it into the NDIS, or the National DNA Index System, which is the collective database of people’s DNA in the US. The FBI uses this database to match DNA that they find at a crime scene to a person who they will be able to bring into custody to question. If it was a rapping case, they would be able to collect DNA and match it to the person who committed the crime and bring them into custody. This system came about when DNA started to be prevalent in putting criminals away. They used the database to store information about every person so that if a crime is done they will be able to easily find them and bring them in. They can also use this information to try and help find people from the National Missing Persons DNA Database. It began in 1990 and was legitamized by the DNA Identification Act of 1994. The team is constructed of a program manager, forensic system program manager, a biologist, an auditor, a management and program analysts, and a paralegal specialist. All of these people work together to make the CODIS

Genetic information can be identified at any point throughout a person’s lifespan from pre-conception until after death. In addition to heritable, biological information, family history, genetic test results, and medical records are also sources of genetic information” (Jenkins & Lea, 2005). We are put in a position to gather and retain information that could be utilized for a better future, but is confidentiality involved for the sake of profiting? Ask yourself, who should have access to genetic information? Who owns and controls it? How can families resolve conflicts when some members want to be tested for a genetic disorder and others do not?

Every State in the Nation has a DNA database that allows for the collection of DNA profiles from offenders convicted of particular crimes. CODIS software enables State, local, and national law enforcement crime laboratories to compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking serial crimes to each other and identifying suspects by matching DNA profiles from crime scenes with profiles from convicted offenders. The success of CODIS is demonstrated by the thousands of matches that have linked serial cases to each other and cases that have been solved by matching crime scene evidence to known convicted offenders.

Once these analysis are done on the DNA then is compared to a known collected same from a suspect or compared in CODIS. CODIS is a databank of DNA samples. CODIS stands for combined DNA index system, it was created by the FBI and is maintained by them as well. The purpose of this databank of DNA is to help in investigations with linking samples to a suspect and to help a forensic lab match samples faster than before it was created. A CODIS search only allows access to certain pieces of information like; an identification to a lab, a sample identification number, the specific DNA characteristics or markers, and the specific of the integrity of the DNA on record.