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In 1984, Sir Alec Jeffreys, a geneticist at the University of Leicester- discovered DNA fingerprinting. This groundbreaking technique allowed for the identification of individuals based on their unique DNA profiles. -
In 1987, DNA evidence was first used in a criminal case in the United States. The case involved the rape and murder of two young girls in England. The DNA evidence led to the dismissal of the prime suspect and the conviction of the true perpetrator, Colin Pitchfork. https://aboutforensics.co.uk/colin-pitchfork/ -
The UK established the National DNA Database (NDNAD), which allowed for the storage and comparison of DNA profiles from crime scenes and individuals. This marked a significant milestone in the use of DNA in criminal investigations. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-dna-database-statistics -
NA evidence was officially recognized and admitted in US courts as reliable scientific evidence in the case of People v. Wesley M- marking a pivotal moment in the incorporation of DNA into the US legal system. https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/court-of-appeals/1994/83-n-y-2d-417-0.html
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The completion of the Human Genome Project, mapping the entire human genome. This monumental scientific achievement accelerated advancements in DNA technology, making DNA analysis faster, more accurate, and more accessible for forensic purposes.
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The Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing, has announced its 240th DNA exoneration. These cases highlight the significance of DNA evidence in revealing wrongful convictions and promoting criminal justice reforms reform. https://innocenceproject.org/all-cases/ -
The United States Supreme Court ruled in the case of Maryland v. King that collecting DNA samples from individuals arrested for serious crimes, without a warrant, was constitutional. This decision expanded the use of DNA databases for investigative purposes.