Abstract

FROM FINGERPRINTS TO DNA: THE EVOLUTION OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE

Varsha Rawat, Isha Gupta*, Shankar, Simran Adlakha, Syeda Nashvia Adin

ABSTRACT

The field of forensic science has undergone significant transformation, progressing from rudimentary methods to sophisticated scientific instruments. This section delves into the gradual evolution of techniques for forensic identification, starting with the advent of fingerprint analysis in the late 1800s. Fingerprints emerged as one of the earliest dependable biometric methods, appreciated for their distinctiveness and enduring nature. Their application revolutionised the process of crime scene investigation by offering a reliable method for identifying individuals. Over time, the field of forensics evolved as it incorporated chemical, serological, and microscopic methods, enhancing the examination of blood, hair, fibres, and various trace evidence. However, the most notable advancement emerged with the discovery of DNA profiling in the 1980s. This approach demonstrated an exceptional precision in linking biological samples to individuals, even when dealing with degraded or minimal quantities. This section outlines how DNA techniques and tools, such as short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, mitochondrial DNA testing, and next-generation sequencing, have transformed the courtroom landscape by enhancing the significance of biological evidence in legal proceedings. This section also explores the evolution of forensic practices into widely accepted methods within the judicial system, particularly highlighting the significant cases that underscored the credibility of scientific evidence. It also reflects on concerns such as the potential for contamination, privacy matters, and the ethical implications of utilising genetic databases.

Keywords: Fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, forensic evolution, STR, forensic genomics.