A DNA Bank Is Necessary Essay -- essays research papers fc

Imagine that a convicted child molester is released from jail and that he is now traveling around the country looking for work. One day this criminal returns to his old ways and he attacks a young child whose dead body is found in a deserted field the following day. The only trace of evidence at the crime scene is a semen specimen on the boys clothes. Now this specimen could be useful if the police tracked down, and arrested the suspect, and then took a blood sample of his that matched the crime scene specimen. But, since no other clues are found this criminal was never arrested and for the next couple years he repeated this act many more times. It is a shame that innocent children had to die because of this sick man, and most people would agree criminals like this should be stopped at any cost. Now just think what would have happened had their been a DNA data bank that contained this man To understand why a DNA data bank is necessary it is important to know exactly what DNA is. Firstly, there are cells which makes up all organisms and inside these cells are chromosomes. Chromosomes, which are made up of DNA, contain all the hereditary information that an individual has. Now this DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) which makes up these chromosomes simply contains the blueprints of the organism. It is DNA which determines what, where, and when to make a certain protein, and it basically is the storage center for information in almost all creatures. This knowledge of DNA is important because now it is possible to show the correlation between DNA and forensic technology. There are many reasons why DNA is such a useful tool for law enforcement. One important feature of DNA, relates to the fact that all individuals have unique DNA, is that each cell in an organism has identical DNA. Whether it is found in in skin cells, hair cells, semen cells, or blood cells the DNA found in one cell is identical to the DNA found in all other cells in the body Another extremely crucial characteristic of DNA is that everyone has their own unique DNA. Since humans in general are basically alike in that we all have legs, arms, hearts brain it is obvious that most DNA is identical. The key though to identifying individuals through DNA is not through the strands of DNA that have a known function, rath... ...nal, it is much easier to identify repeat offenders in order to prevent future crimes, and the data base can also effectively eliminate suspects and end false arrests. All of society greatly benefits from a DNA database of convicted criminals. No one absolutely knows how effective a DNA data base will be against crime in the future, but presently it fights crime like nothing else. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Javurek, Peter, "Canada2. Frank, Laura, "Fingerprints from DNA not always on money" USA TODAY 7-15-94 3. Levy, Harlan, AND THE BLOOD CRIED OUT, Basic Books, 1996 4. Maharaj, Davan, "DNA Tests Becoming The Key out of Prison in Orange County" Los Angeles Times, 6-22-96 5. DOJ RELEASES STUDY ON VALUE OF DNA TESTING TO ESTABLISH INNOCENCE; AWARDS $8.75 MILL www.elibrary.com/getdoc.cgi?id=5322482776. 6. Billings, Paul, DNA ON TRIAL, 1995