Serology as a Valuable Tool in Criminal Investigations - Essay Example

DNA can be a very powerful source of evidence. However, there are debates about the uses serology has been put to and in recent years these debates have become more rancorous. One of the most radical transformations in evidence collection in recent years in the criminal justice system is the use of DNA. Considered by some to be a silver bullet, conclusively proving guilt, DNA’s significance can be hard to defend against and may create an insurmountable burden for an innocent defendant.

It is documented that there is a high level of error in laboratories, and it is possible for DNA samples to be switched. This is an important consideration when evaluating the uses of serology. An accident like this combined with circumstantial evidence would almost certainly result in a guilty verdict. Likewise, sophisticated criminals have been known to plant false DNA evidence at the crime scene in order to shift attention away from themselves. This is an important thing to keep in mind when considering serology.