Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography

Jones, S., & Chakravarti, D. (Hosts). (2023, December 13). The history of a monumental

forensic tool and the ethical debate sparked by wrongful convictions based on trace DNA

evidence [Audio podcast episode]. In Tiny Matters. American Chemical Society.

[Link]

[Link]

This podcast, produced by the American Chemical Society, discusses the ethical debate

based on the use of trace DNA evidence in criminal investigations. It begins by

examining the murder of Raveesh Kumra, and the wrongful arrest of Lukis Anderson,

whose DNA was found under Kumra’s fingernails despite the fact that he was

hospitalized miles away from the crime scene on the night of the homicide. Scientists

interviewed in the podcast explain how Anderson’s DNA was transferred indirectly when

EMT personnel used the same pulse oximeter on both men. The discussion emphasizes

that while DNA is absolutely a helpful piece of evidence, it should always be used with

discretion, and should not be used as sole, definitive evidence. It is also stressed that this

limitation should be made clear to juries. This source is highly credible because it is

produced by the American Chemical Society and features commentary from expert

scientists that specialize in forensic DNA analysis. It will be valuable to my research as it

provides a real-world example of the ethical concerns and potential consequences of

relying too heavily on trace DNA evidence.

testing. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 18(2), 130–133.

[Link]

In this journal article, Rana Saad explains the development of DNA fingerprinting and its

role in modern forensic science. The article describes how short tandem repeat (STR)

analysis allows investigators to identify individuals from biological evidence such as

blood, saliva, semen, hair follicles, and skin cells. Saad traces the history of DNA

profiling from Professor Alec Jeffrey's discovery of fingerprinting, all the way to the

development of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The article also discusses

historical cases, including the Colin Pitchfork case, as well as the locating of Nazi

scientist, Josef Mengele. Because the article was published in a peer-reviewed medical

journal and presents scientifically supported information, it proves as a reliable source. It

will strengthen my paper by providing historical background on DNA profiling and

illustrating how DNA evidence has contributed to solving crimes and identifying

individuals.

Segura, L. (2012). Fighting Crime with DNA Samples Comes with Great Risks. In S.

Kiesbye (Ed.), At Issue. DNA Databases. Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from Albany's

DNA Expansion: A Foolproof Solution?, Brooklyn Rail, 2010, July) [Link]

[Link]/apps/doc/EJ3010469219/OVIC?

u=ivytech7&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=57620b42.

In this viewpoint essay, Liliana Segura discusses the ethical and legal concerns

surrounding the expansion of DNA databases through New York’s All Crimes DNA Bill.
She explains the law requires individuals convicted of any crime to submit a DNA

sample to be included in the government database. Although supporters argue that larger

DNA databases can improve criminal investigations, Sequra discusses concerns about

government oversight, civil liberties, and the reliability of using DNA database “cold

hits” as evidence. She also argues that DNA evidence is often more effective for

exonerating innocent individuals than for proving guilt without additional supporting

evidence. As a journalist specializing in civil rights and public policy, Segura provides a

well-researched perspective on the ethical issues surrounding forensic DNA databases.

This source will help my research by presenting the opposing viewpoint and highlighting

the privacy and ethical concerns associated with expanding the use of DNA evidence.

Singh, S. C. (2011). DNA profiling and the forensic use of DNA evidence in criminal

proceedings. Journal of the Indian Law Institute, 53(2), 195–226.

[Link]

stable/43953503.

In this journal article, Subhash Chandra Singh examines the growing importance of DNA

profiling of criminals while emphasizing the need for careful and ethical use of

technology. Singh explains that DNA evidence is one of the most significant discoveries

in forensic science but notes that its reliability depends on proper collection, handling,

laboratory procedures, and interpretation. The article also discusses concerns regarding

contamination, human error, privacy, and the protection of individual rights while also

comparing how different countries regulate the use of forensic DNA evidence. Published

in the Journal of the Indian Law Institute, this peer-reviewed article provides a balanced
analysis of both the benefits and limitations of DNA profiling. It will be useful in my

research because it supports my discussion of the effectiveness of DNA evidence while

also addressing the ethical and legal issues that must be considered when it is used in

criminal investigations.
Source 1
Topic: DNA testing and its use as evidence in criminal cases.

Source 1:
Citation:
Singh, S. C. (2011). DNA PROFILING AND THE FORENSIC USE OF DNA EVIDENCE IN

CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. Journal of the Indian Law Institute, 53(2), 195–226.

[Link]

43953503

Annotated Bibliography:

According to a journal written by Subhash Chandra Singh, DNA profiling and using DNA as

evidence in criminal investigations has become one of the most important scientific

developments in forensic science. He begins by addressing the fact that while DNA profiling was

an important and groundbreaking development in forensic science, but also emphasizing that it

must be used with caution, as issues regarding reliability, interpretation, and privacy must be

considered. He discusses DNA testing being only reliable and accurate when performed

correctly. Most of the issues that would jeopardize the reliability of the evidence, would be

improper handling, contamination, and incorrect interpretation. Singh then continues to discuss

how different countries view and approach genetic material as forensic evidence, followed by a

discussion regarding privacy and human rights as genetic material contains a great amount of

personal information. This journal proves useful and reliable as it discusses both the positive and

negative truths of using DNA as forensic evidence, as well as the international views on the

topic.

Summary Discussion:
According to a journal published by the Indian Law Institute, DNA profiling and using DNA as
evidence in criminal investigations has become one of the most important scientific
developments in forensic science. However, it must be used with caution, as issues regarding
reliability, interpretation, and privacy must be considered.

DNA profiling has become an essential part of modern forensic investigation and criminal justice
to help identify suspects, exonerate the innocent, and to link individuals to crime scenes. It is a
valuable tool because it can be highly accurate, and it is versatile in the fact that DNA can be
extracted from various biological materials that may be found at a crime scene. There are two
primary techniques for DNA analysis. These would be Restriction Fragment Length
Polymorphism (RFLP) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Both have their advantages and
disadvantages regarding cost, specificity, and contamination.

Generally, DNA testing can be highly reliable and accurate when correctly performed; however,
there are many potential sources of error. These errors can range from contamination, to
improper handling, and incorrect interpretation. The journal stresses that DNA evidence should
not be seen as automatically conclusive to prove guilt, and that other forms of evidence should
be included to come to a rightful conclusion in a crime scene investigation as well as court
proceedings.

Different countries have their different approaches to using DNA as evidence. The US has
developed principal standards to determine admissibility. England, a world leader in forensic
DNA usage, has an extensive national DNA database, and has high acceptance of DNA as a
source of evidence. Australia has approached DNA evidence with much caution. Canada has
established 4 criteria for DNA evidence, and has a much more flexible approach to using DNA
as evidence. India has increasing acceptance of DNA profiling as evidence, as they see it as
highly reliable, and very versatile.

Finally, privacy and human rights were also discussed in the Journal. DNA collection and
retention contains a great amount of personal genetic information, therefore it raises privacy
concerns to some. As a result of this, courts must balance an individual’s right to privacy against
the state’s interest in solving the crime and administering justice. There are several legal theories
as well to create rules regarding DNA privacy, such as that individuals should retain control over
their biological material and that DNA testing is an intrusion of this.

Overall, the journal concludes that DNA profiling is a highly effective tool, but it must be used
responsibly to be used correctly and to protect individual rights. As this journal is generally
lengthy and discusses many aspects of the processes, advantages and disadvantages, as well as
human rights, it proves a versatile source that may be used and cited in my paper.
Source 2
Source 2
Segura, L. (2012). Fighting Crime with DNA Samples Comes with Great Risks. In S. Kiesbye

(Ed.), At Issue. DNA Databases. Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from Albany's DNA Expansion:

A Foolproof Solution?, Brooklyn Rail, 2010, July) [Link]

[Link]/apps/doc/EJ3010469219/OVIC?u=ivytech7&sid=bookmark-

OVIC&xid=57620b42

Annotated Bibliography:

In a viewpoint essay written by Liliana Segura, the All Crimes DNA Bill is discussed. She

explains the New York bill that was passed that makes it a requirement that anyone who commits

a crime must provide a sample of DNA. This genetic material will then be created into a profile

that would be logged in a DNA database. While this bill received no opposition, Seguara

explains that many believe that the likelihood of success by using this database is slim. This is

because of the corruption among the authorities that are responsible for the database. She further

discusses the issues regarding DNA evidence’s credibility, specifically by using it to come up

with “cold hits.” She explains that genetic evidence is more useful in terms of exonerating the

innocent rather than defining evidence to convict a criminal. A violation of civil rights was also

questioned, specifically regarding familial searching. This source proves helpful because it

provides views that are against using genetic material as forensic evidence.

Summary Discussion:
This viewpoint essay discusses the All Crimes DNA Bill that would force anyone (even those as
young as 16 years old) who commits a crime in the state of New York to provide a sample of
their genetic material to be stored in a state database. The crimes to have been committed would
include low-level misdemeanors. The bill was first introduced by Governor David Paterson. This
bill was supposed to “cut through "a lot of red government tape "”, however, many think that
this use of a DNA databank is unlikely to be successful. It is mentioned in the essay that the
people of New York are worried about the corruption and competency of the authorities who
would be in charge of handling the expanding database. There are an alarmingly large number of
wrongful convictions in the state of New York. Some of these could be caused by analysts not
being trained properly, contamination of evidence, or insufficient investigation. Not just
corruption of officials.

While it is mentioned that DNA evidence has played a vital role in exonerating the innocent in
many cases, there are also many unanswered questions about the use of these types of evidence.
For example, there have been issues about verifying how credible DNA evidence is for correctly
convicting a felon by using DNA samples to come up with “cold hits” (when DNA samples
taken from a crime scene are matched to another sample stored in a database). There is also the
question of a violation of civil rights by using the evidence for “familial searching.” This idea is
based on the idea that a similar or partial match between DNA in a database and DNA found at a
crime scene were related. This would involve collecting many more genetic samples of innocent
people, as well as involving them in a criminal investigation.

After a minute amount of further research outside of this source, I found that this bill did, indeed,
pass in New York. Several states have also passed similar laws/bills that are based on the same
concept of taking genetic material from any individual who has committed a crime. In addition,
recently there is a bill in Congress waiting to be processed that would establish protections for
genetic information in cases of bankruptcy. Using this source, in addition to others discussing
relevant laws, would be very helpful for my thesis, providing multiple sides on the debate of
using DNA as forensic evidence.

Additional sources include:

House Judiciary Committee.” [Link], Iowa Attorney General, 17 Feb.

2026, [Link]/newsroom/attorney-general-brenna-bird-announces-

katies-law-passage-out-of-house-judiciary-committee. Accessed 20 June 2026.

R-TX, John. “S.1916 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Don’t Sell My DNA Act.”

[Link], 2025, [Link]/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1916.

Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 18(2), 130–133.

[Link]

According to Rana Saad, DNA fingerprinting is a very versatile tool. By viewing STR loci, DNA

can be used to individualize genetic material from skin, saliva, semen, blood, or hair follicles. He

details the history of forensic DNA analysis and fingerprinting. It traces from the initial

discovery by Professor Alec Jeffreys, all the way to modern usage, noting the creation of the

CODIS database. Saad continues to discuss real-world legal breakthroughs that were possible

through DNA profiling. These cases include the Colin Pitchfork case, as well as the locating of

Nazi scientist, Josef Mengele. This source is helpful, as it provides specific examples of how

DNA can be used as evidence in a legal environment. It would be a valuable source to use for the

positive aspect of DNA as evidence.

Jones, S., & Chakravarti, D. (Hosts). (2023, December 13). The history of a monumental

forensic tool and the ethical debate sparked by wrongful convictions based on trace DNA

evidence [Audio podcast episode]. In Tiny Matters. American Chemical Society.

[Link]

[Link]

This podcast, produced by the American Chemical Society discusses the ethical debate based on

trace DNA evidence. They first discuss the murder of Raveesh Kumra, and how Lukis Anderson

was charged of murder due to his trace DNA being under Kumra’s fingernails. Anderson,

however, was admitted in a hospital miles away from Kumra during the night of the homicide. It

was later discovered that his DNA ended up under Kumra’s fingernails because EMTs had

visited both men, and had given them the same pulse oximeter which is placed on the finger.

This wrongful conviction raised many questions of the validity and ethical stability of analyzing

trace DNA and using it as forensic evidence. In the podcast, guest scientists discussed how trace

evidence can be transferred indirectly in many ways, so while DNA is absolutely a helpful piece

of evidence, it should always be used with discretion, and should not be used as sole, definitive

evidence. It is also mentioned that this knowledge should be clearly communicated in court, so

that a jury may understand the full story and the limitations of DNA testing. This source proves

useful as it discusses how DNA can be correctly analyzed, but still can lead to a wrongful

conviction. It provides useful information and knowledge that may help me form my thesis.
Proposal (RD)
 1

Research Proposal: The Use, Limitations, and Ethics of DNA Evidence

Ellie Satre

School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Ivy Tech Community College

ENGL 211

Prof. Joe Betz

July 20, 2026

Research Proposal: The Use, Limitations, and Ethics of DNA Evidence

My curiosity about genetics and the complexity of DNA began in middle school. I
remember learning about the artful structure of the molecule, and further how gene expression
can be influenced by environmental factors. An interest in forensic science developed later after
watching The Flash, where the main character, Barry Allen, works as a crime scene investigator.
While the show was fictional, it introduced me to the field of forensics. Ultimately, after
exploring both of these interests, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career as a forensic
pathologist.
As an undergraduate student double majoring in Biology and Forensic Investigative
Sciences, my studies combine the life sciences with criminal investigation. DNA is essential for
understanding human biology. It is equally fundamental to forensic science, where genetic
evidence can aid in identifying victims, connect suspects to crime scenes, and exonerate
individuals who have been wrongly accused. Due to its profound impact, researching the
application of DNA evidence is critical as it directly influences whether justice is rightly served
or if a wrongful conviction is made.
While many people recognize DNA as a critical form of forensic evidence, audiences
vary in how much they truly understand about the topic. Members of the general public may
know that DNA can identify individuals, however, they may not realize the scientific and legal
complexities involved in its use and analysis. Students and those with an interest in forensic
science may have a broader understanding, but can still benefit from learning about current
research, ethical concerns, and advances in DNA technology. By examining the strengths and
limitations of forensic DNA evidence, I hope this research can help readers develop a more
informed perspective on how DNA contributes to the pursuit of justice.

The issue I intend to examine is how DNA evidence can be misunderstood or misused in
criminal investigations, resulting in wrongful convictions and ethical concerns surrounding the
collection and use of genetic information. Although DNA is often seen as the “gold standard” of
forensic science, it is not infallible and is not meant to be used individually as definitive
evidence. Errors in collection, contamination, interpretation, and overreliance on DNA evidence
can contribute to unjust outcomes. Additionally, laws that permit the collection of DNA from
individuals who have been arrested but not convicted raise important questions about privacy
and civil liberties.
My research will examine DNA collection and analysis techniques used internationally to
provide scientific context, but will primarily focus on laws, court cases, and criminal
investigations within the US. Although I already have a general understanding of how DNA is
used in forensic investigations, there are many aspects of the subject that I still hope to explore.
Through this research, I hope to better understand how DNA is collected, analyzed, interpreted,
and presented in court. I am also interested in learning more about the ethical questions
surrounding DNA databases, privacy, and the potential for misuse of genetic information.
Based on the preliminary research I have completed, one potential solution appears to be
improving education and training for investigators, attorneys, judges, and juries regarding the
limitations and capabilities of DNA evidence. Greater understanding of the present issues could
reduce the likelihood of wrongful convictions. I also plan to investigate if changes to DNA
collection policies could better balance public safety with privacy concerns. As I continue my
 3

research, I hope to determine whether these approaches would realistically address the problems
I have identified.

Much of my research will come from peer-reviewed journal articles obtained through Ivy
Tech library databases such as JSTOR and Gale. These sources provide scientific explanations of
DNA profiling while also discussing legal and ethical issues surrounding its use. Because they
have been reviewed by experts, I expect them to serve as the foundation of my research.
In addition to scholarly articles, I intend to use case studies from the Innocence Project.
Cases such as Kirk Bloodsworth and Marvin Anderson demonstrate how DNA testing has been
used to exonerate the wrongfully convicted. These cases highlight the importance of
understanding both the strengths and limitations of forensic evidence while helping connect the
scientific information presented in journal articles to real criminal investigations to show why
proper interpretation of DNA evidence is so critical.
Additionally, I plan to incorporate a TED Talk presented by United States forensic DNA
expert, Greg Hampikian. As he has worked extensively with law enforcement agencies and the
Innocence Project, Hampikian provides firsthand experience with early development of forensic
DNA analysis, modern technologies, and specific real-life examples where DNA evidence was
mishandled and misused. In addition to discussing challenges such as interpreting statistical
comparisons and contamination, he provides innovative methods to reduce laboratory errors.
This makes this an especially useful source for exploring potential solutions to the problems
identified in my research.
As I continue my research, one of the greatest challenges I anticipate is balancing the
scientific aspects of my topic with the legal aspects. DNA analysis involves complex biological
concepts such as statistical interpretation, while the legal system focuses on how that evidence is
presented and evaluated in court. Consequently, notable gaps in understanding still exist
concerning what DNA analysis can realistically establish during a trial. By examining both
scientific research and real criminal cases, I hope to provide readers with a better understanding
of why DNA should be used as a powerful investigative tool rather than unquestionable proof of
guilt. Ultimately, I hope this research will encourage more informed discussions about how DNA
evidence can be used responsibly while also protecting both public safety and individual rights.
 4

List of potential sources:

Innocence Project. (n.d.-a). Kirk Bloodsworth. Innocence Project. Retrieved July 6, 2026,

from [Link]

Innocence Project. (n.d.-b). Marvin Anderson. Innocence Project. Retrieved July 6, 2026,

from [Link]

Jones, S. (Host), & Chakravarti, D. (Host). (2023, December 13). The history of a

monumental forensic tool and the ethical debate sparked by wrongful convictions based

on trace DNA evidence [Audio podcast episode]. In Tiny Matters. American Chemical

Society. [Link]

[Link]

Saad, R. (2005). Discovery, development, and current applications of DNA identity

testing. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 18(2), 130–133.

[Link]

Segura, L. (2012). Fighting crime with DNA samples comes with great risks. In S.

Kiesbye (Ed.), At Issue. DNA Databases. Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from Albany's

DNA Expansion: A Foolproof Solution?, Brooklyn Rail, 2010, July) [Link]

[Link]/apps/doc/EJ3010469219/OVIC?

u=ivytech7&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=57620b42.

Singh, S. C. (2011). DNA profiling and the forensic use of DNA evidence in criminal

proceedings. Journal of the Indian Law Institute, 53(2), 195–226.

[Link]
 5

TEDx Talks. (2015, June 4). Forensic DNA mixups | Greg Hampikian | TEDxBoise

[Video]. YouTube. [Link]

Endeavor DNA. (n.d.). Forensic DNA testing: A behind-the-scenes look [Photograph].

[Link]

Innocence Project. (n.d.-a). Kirk Bloodsworth. Innocence Project. Retrieved July 6, 2026,

from [Link]

Saad, R. (2005). Discovery, development, and current applications of DNA identity

testing. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 18(2), 130–133.

[Link]

Segura, L. (2012). Fighting crime with DNA samples comes with great risks. In S.

Kiesbye (Ed.), At Issue. DNA Databases. Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from Albany's

DNA Expansion: A Foolproof Solution?, Brooklyn Rail, 2010, July) [Link]

[Link]/apps/doc/EJ3010469219/OVIC?

u=ivytech7&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=57620b42.

The Cornell Daily Sun. (2015, October 15). First American on death row

exonerated by DNA addresses students [Photograph].

[Link]

exonerated-by-dna-addresses-students