Abstract

DNA is essentially an instruction manual and blueprint for

everything in a body. The last decade of forensic science has

been dominated by genetic analysis. Lawyers now focus on

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing to prove the guilt or

innocence of those accused of crimes, pushing traditional

techniques such as fingerprint analysis into the background.

This study entitled Forensic DNA Application in Investigating

Sexual Assault cases aimed to determine the potential

contribution of DNA typing or profiling to the investigation

and prosecution of sexual assault cases. Specifically, it sought

to address the following issues: (1) the different sources of

DNA which are utilized in investigating sexual assault cases;

(2) the different applications of DNA in investigating sexual

assault cases; and (3) the factors affecting the accuracy of

DNA when applied in sexual assault cases. The researchers

ascertain that sources of DNA in investigating sexual assault

cases are semen, hair, saliva, fingernail scrapings, urine,

tears, bones, and teeth. Linking the suspect to the victim, to

identify the assailant, to confirm recent sexual contact, to

establish force or threat, to corroborate the victim's story,

and to exonerate the innocent are the applications of DNA in

sexual assault cases. Factors affecting the accuracy of DNA

consist of the lack of communication between law enforcement

and crime lab personnel, limited resources, use of incompatible

systems for DNA analysis, little trainings of law enforcement

officers, and the improper collection of evidence at the crime

scene.

Keywords: DNA, Sexual Assault, Crime Scene, Forensic Science,

Accuracy.