DNA: From Crime Scene
to Courtroom

In crimes of violence such as murder and sexual assault, it is virtually impossible not to have biological material left at the crime scene or transferred between the participants. The key to solving such cases often depends on the ability of the forensic scientist to identify the individual(s) from whom the biological evidence samples originated. Could the suspect be the source of the semen in the victim of sexual assault? Could the suspect be the source of the flesh found under the murder victim’s fingernails? Could blood found on the suspect’s clothing have originated from the murder victim?

The answers to these types of questions are held within our DNA, the “genetic blueprint”. The human body is composed of ~80 trillion cells, each containing DNA which is unique to each individual. Simple tests now allow forensic scientists to analyze trace amounts of biological evidence material and develop DNA profiles that can be compared to samples from known individuals to obtain a positive identification.

This presentation will trace the short history of forensic DNA profiling from the first cases more than 15 years ago, to the present day situation where DNA profiling is used as a routine investigative tool in criminal investigations and a National DNA Data Bank has been established containing the DNA profiles from unsolved cases and convicted offenders. Actual forensic cases will be used to highlight the importance of the DNA evidence in criminal investigations.

Read The Hamilton Spectator article by Steve Buist