DNA

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses DNA, which is short for deoxyribonucleic acid. The writer notes that the code contained within the DNA determines whether the organism turns out to be a fish or a dandelion, a person or a chimp. Further, the writer points out that it also creates the characteristics that make one individual similar to, but still different from, another. The writer explains DNA testing and notes that now that there are more reliable procedures, such as DNA testing, there are fewer people who are wrongfully convicted. The writer discusses convictions as they relate to DNA evidence.

From the Paper:

"Wrongful convictions are not often talked about in the news, but they are occasionally mentioned when they are incredibly significant, such as a man who was wrongfully convicted 20 years ago and then was freed based on DNA evidence or some other new way of determining whether the person was actually guilty. These are the exceptions rather than the rules, but these do happen, and they can significantly affect the lives of many people. Not only is the life of the wrongly accused changed forever, but his or her family and friends are all affected as well. This is a very serious concern, and naturally the criminal justice system tries to avoid wrongful convictions as much as they can. It is not always possible, however, to avoid wrongfully convicting someone if there is a great deal of circumstantial evidence or if there are witnesses who claim the person is guilty of a particular crime."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Coleman, H, & Swenson, E. (1994). DNA In the courtroom: A Trial watcher's guide. Seattle, Washington: Genelex Press.
• Epplen, J.T. & Lubjuhn, T. (1999). DNA Profiling and DNA fingerprinting, 1ST Edition. Secaucus, New Jersey: Birkhauser Boston.
• Sheindlin, G. (1996). Genetic fingerprinting: The law and science of DNA. Danbury, Connecticut: Rutledge Books Inc.
• The DNA "wars" are over. (2007). WGBH Educational Foundation. Retrieved from: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/case/revolution/wars.html

More papers on DNA:

• Term Paper # 141264 : "DNA Testing"
• Term Paper # 121008 : "Discovering DNA"
• Descriptive Essay # 145225 : "Humans, Chimpanzees and DNA"
• Term Paper # 142827 : "Clearing Cold Cases With DNA Evidence"

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