DNA Fingerprinting Research Paper

BACKGROUND

First used as evidence in a U.S. court in a 1988 Florida rape trial, DNA fingerprinting is a laboratory technique that compares the unique genetic structure of a person’s blood to that of tissue samples found at a crime scene; a match would indicate guilt. Use of scientific evidence in court proceedings has become more common but continues to be a topic of controversy.

BROWSE FOR BOOKS ON THE SHELF USING THESE CALL NUMBERS

364.1523

614.1

LOOK UNDER THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS IN THE CATALOG (CARD OR COMPUTER)

DNA fingerprinting

DNA fingerprints

DNA—Genetics

Forensic medicine

USE PAMPHLET FILE (ALSO CALLED VERTICAL FILE) UNDER THE HEADING

Genetics

REFERENCE MATERIALS THAT MAY HELP (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

CQ Researcher, October 22, 1993.

Magill, Frank N., ed. Great Events from History II: Science and Technology Series, 1991.

McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, 1992.

The New Book of Popular Science. Grolier, 1994.

Today’s Science on File. Facts on File.

General encyclopedias

PERIODICAL INDEXES TO SEARCH (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

EBSCO Magazine Article Summaries

InfoTrac

NewsBank and other newspaper indexes

Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature

SIRS (Social Issues Resources Series)

WILSONDISC
ONLINE DATABASES TO SEARCH

America Online

CompuServe

Dialog

Internet

Prodigy

KEY WORDS AND DESCRIPTORS FOR PERIODICAL INDEX AND ONLINE SEARCHES

DNA analysis

DNA fingerprints

Forensic medicine

Law enforcement technology

VIDEOTAPE ON THIS TOPIC

DNA Databases: Forensic Use vs. Potential for Private Abuse. Video Library Project, 1993.

FICTION BOOK RELATING TO TOPIC

Wambaugh, Joseph. The Blooding, 1989. (adult)

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Milton Helpern Institute of Forensic Medicine, 520 First Ave., New York, NY 10016.

National Institute for Citizen Education in the Law, 711 G St., S.E., Washington, DC 20003–2861.

SUGGESTIONS FOR NARROWING THIS TOPIC

Consider the use of DNA fingerprinting in historical research or wildlife research.

Discuss the moral and ethical aspects of DNA fingerprinting evidence in the courtroom.

Examine the national DNA databank and the privacy issue.

Research a specific case in which DNA fingerprinting was used to solve a crime.

SUGGESTIONS FOR RELATED TOPICS

Civil liberty and forensic medicine

Forensic medicine

Genetic engineering

Medical ethics

Polygraph testing

Scientific evidence in court

This RESEARCH TOPIC GUIDE is intended to help the library user find information and materials on a particular topic in many sources throughout the library. Resources on this topic are not limited to those described and availability will depend upon the individual library. Feel free to ask a librarian for assistance.