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comes from the Latin word forensis which means before the forum

forensic science

the use of science pertaining to matters of the court


Crime Scene Investigation

Alec Jeffreys

He developed a DNA profiling technique called VTNR

Colin Pitchfork

VTNR DNA analysis to convict him of rape and murder and it was the first case using this type of DNA analysis.

Michael Blassie

placed in the tomb of the Unknown and later bones were examined and DNA was taken and then it was proven to be him. mtDNA was used and it was the first time it had been used to prove an identify of an unknown body.

Kirk Bloodsworth

semen test revealed and the semen didn't belong to him. 2003 DNA was linked to real killer and since it was very small sample STR/PCR were used. it was the first time DNA evidence was exonerated a person on death row.

DNA profile (fingerprint)

used in Criminal court and scientists can use it to show the variation in people's DNA

chain of custody

a record of all individuals and locations that the physical evidence has come in contact with from the time it was obtained until it is presented in court.


Variable Number Tandem Repeats--these are regions of DNA that are next to each other where the base sequence is repeated over and over again. The number of repeated sections present in a sample is different in every person


Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-- Alec Jeffreys used this technique. It uses the restriction enzymes to cut regions of DNA that are surrounding the VTNR. Because DNA regions are different between people, the fragments are different lengths. this technique requires that the sample size be about a quarter.


Short Tandem Repeats---used for forensic analysis inside of a VTNR and are much smaller then VTNR


Polymerase chain reaction is how it amplified. and it makes use of the same DNA replication as your cells. it can make millions of copies of DNA sequence in just a few hours from only a few cells. sample sizes can be much smaller


used to examine DNA samples that cannot be analyzed by RFLP or STR/PCR


Automated Fingerprint Identification System (1977) by FBI


computer system that contains two indexes to generate crime leads

forensic index database

DNA profiles of individuals convicted of a felony crimes

arrestee database

DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence that are not connoted to a particular person

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