Consider that in the majority of organisms, genetics is established by the breeding of pairs of parents which results in an off-spring that has a combination of each of the parents' genetic codes. "Despite the power of molecular biology to examine the information coded for by DNA, we have to know where in the DNA to look to find information of relevance to particular phenomena." (Cantor & Smith, 1999) Advantages and Developments

There are many advantages to utilizing DNA fingerprinting. "The need to identify an individual arises in criminal and non-criminal situations, including identification of the perpetrator or victim of a violent crime, the victim of a natural disaster or the biological father in a case of disputed paternity. The arguments raised in favor of the DNA fingerprint technique derive from its power to identify objectively in all of these situations and the stability of DNA when exposed to harsh environments." (Schacter 145)

The DNA database philosophy is one of the most important developments since the inception of the idea. "The FBI is developing a computerized bank of genetic profiles of convicted criminals, just as it maintains fingerprint files. It should prove helpful in solving some crimes. "This is a tremendous technology which can eliminate many questions, and it definitely deserves a prominent place in the forensic field. But the reality is that, like with some forms of health care, our technology has exceeded...

Since the trial of the century, DNA evidence has become a household word. Although DNA fingerprinting is an expensive endeavor for crime enforcement, there is no doubt its accuracy outweighs cost restrictions. "Anything that an agency or police department would find forensically useful may cost as much as several thousand dollars to process, in addition to the fees associated with obtaining the expert witness testimony required by the court system." (Unknown) but, as technology and the Federal Bureau of Investigation reduce costs because of the DNA samples on record, this silent partner in the war on crime will continue to serve.
Works Cited

Cantor, Charles R., & Smith, Cassandra L. Genomics: The Science and Technology Behind the Human Genome Project. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1999.

Caro, Tim. Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Biology. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1998.

Peterson, Rebecca Sasser. "DNA Databases: When Fear Goes Too Far." American Criminal Law Review Vol. 37 (2000).

Schacter, Bernice. Issues and Dilemmas of Biotechnology: A Reference Guide. Westwood: Greenwood P, 1999.

Unknown. "DNA Fingerprinting Limited by Cost." USA Today: Vol. 123 (1994).

Criminal Justice - Forensics and DNA