Good evening, class and instructor Prouty. I chose Topic 4 for my discussion board this unit.

There's no doubt that DNA has changed the game in solving crimes. It's often seen as the most reliable kind of evidence we havebut that doesn't mean it should be blindly trusted. That's where forensic experts come in. Interpreting DNA is more than just matching a sample to a person. Experts understand how easily DNA can get contaminated, how it might degrade over time, and what those numbers actually mean. Without their insight, even "conclusive" evidence can lead to the wrong conclusions (Murphy, 2015). DNA shouldn't be used in isolation either. Just because someone's DNA is at a crime scene doesn't prove they committed a crime. Maybe they were there earlier, or maybe the DNA was transferred somehow. Other kinds of evidence, like video footage, witness statements, or timelines, are just as important to give context. A strong case needs a full picture, not just one powerful piece of the puzzle (Sutton, 2018).

With DNA tech and forensic science evolving so quickly, ongoing training is a must. New methods and ethical concerns are always popping up, especially with companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com sharing genetic data. Being part of professional forensic groups helps keep experts up to date on best practices, research, and how to handle privacy issues. That way, they can use these tools responsibly and protect people's rights in the process (Ram, 2019).DNA is a huge asset in criminal justice, but it's not foolproof. With expert analysis, supporting evidence, and continued learning, we can make sure it's used the right way.

References:

Murphy, E. (2015). Inside the cell: The dark side of forensic DNA. Nation Books.

Ram, N. (2019). Genetic privacy after Carpenter. Harvard Law Review, 133(2), 101-147.

Sutton, M. (2018, June 6). DNA can solve crimes and reveal your ancestry but beware of others who want in. ABC Premium News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-07

reply to your classmate with an additional inputs from a scholarly source using APA in-text citations