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Forensic DNA Analysis

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In the United States, the death penalty and the question of executing innocent people has become a fundamental topic of discussion. Jay D. Aronson and Simon A. Cole propose that, “due to the certainty attached to DNA evidence in public discourse, it can be used as a lever with which to challenge law’s claims to truth-making authority, and to undermine public trust in the death penalty” (Aronson and Cole 603). Shlomit Avraham maintains that “the success of obtaining DNA profiles from touch DNA has opened up possibilities and led to the collection of DNA from a wider range of exhibits” (Avraham 793). How many people have been released or imprisoned due to faulty accusations? Where are DNA samples found, and what is it? If there’s no blood at …show more content…

Shlomit Avraham, a scientist and author of "Forensic DNA Analysis From Rocks And Stones In Criminal Cases, believes that “although rocks can pose as a problematic substrate for retrieval of DNA profiles, it may be the missing link in providing a solution in specific forensic cases” (Avraham 793). According to Avraham, “the amount of DNA transferred through skin contact, referred to as touch DNA, is variable and has been shown to be affected by a number of known factors: shedder status, hand washing, personal habits, type of contact (pressure, friction), substrate (rough or smooth surfaces), and perspiration” (Avraham …show more content…

Aronson, an assistant Professor of Science in the History Department at Carnegie Mellon University and Simon A. Cole, an associate Professor of Criminology and law at the University of California discuss the transformation of the death penalty in the United States. Aronson and Cole suggest that DNA evidence may be more accurate and reliable than other forensic science ( Aronson and Cole 603). They also point out that over the past decade, “innocence has become a dominant concern in the death penalty discourse with an unprecedented effect on the debate about capital punishment” (Aronson and Cole 604). How has innocence evolved for the death penalty? The professors argue that the death penalty has transitioned away from “moral and procedural considerations, and toward the more substantial question of guilt and innocence” (Aronson and Cole

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