Title: DNA Evidence

Speaker: Nicole Haxmeier

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about how DNA evidence works and has
revolutionized the crime solving industry.
Thesis Statement: DNA evidence has revolutionized the crime-solving industry because it
provides clear evidence of innocence or guilt in the courtroom.
Introduction
I.
Attention Getter:
We all enjoy binge watching our favorite crime shows: Criminal Minds, CSI, Person of Interest,
and while we love those series because of their charming characters and their intense plots, a
large part of the crime solving today is the cutting edge technology. More specifically, DNA
evidence.
I I.
Establish Credibility:
DNA evidence has been developing and improving for over 200 years, and more recently crime
shows have familiarized the public with the topic.
I II.
Thematic Statement:
Over this period of time, DNA evidence has helped to solve crimes throughout the world, and
completely change the crime solving industry.
I V.
Preview (each main point):
First I would like to give a brief history of crime-solving and the development of DNA evidence.
Next I will describe the process of DNA profiling.
Finally I will give specific examples of when DNA evidence has helped free someone innocent
or put away someone guilty.
(Transition- Now, I will describe the history of using forensic analysis to solve crime.)
Body
I.
A.

Main Point 1- A Forensic History

The 1800s was when forensic analysis really began to take shape.

1. This period saw the first recorded use of fingerprints to solve a crime, the development of a
test for blood, as well as the first use of toxicology in a jury trial (Forensic science history, n.d.).
2. These methods were heavily applied in 1888 when victims of Jack the Ripper were
examined for wound patterns (Forensic science history, n.d.).
B. The 1900s brought even more forensic development, and was the period in which the DNA
evidence was fully established.
1. During this century was the invention of the breathalyzer, use of the technique for gathering
arson evidence, and study of the voice print identification. Also, in the 1930s criminology was
recognized as an academic discipline and universities began integrating criminology into their
curriculum (Forensic science history, n.d.).
2. DNA evidence was first used to solve a crime and free an innocent in 1987, and DNA
profiling was introduced to the U.S. that same year (Forensic science history, n.d.).
(Summary- Forensic evidence has become incredibly advanced in just 200 years.)
(Transition- However, it doesnt end there; DNA profiling has continued to develop and
revolutionize the industry in the present day. I bet youre wondering what really happens behind
the scenes of a modern day DNA analysis.)
II.

Main Point 2- The Process

A. When law officials enter a crime scene, it is essential for nothing to be disturbed because
even an object that doesnt have a visible stain can contain enough DNA for conviction (DNA
Evidence Basics, 2012).
1. DNA evidence is typically collected from bodily fluids such as blood or saliva, but in some
cases is collected from hair or skin cells (What is DNA evidence?, 2016).
2. The evidence is transported from the crime scene in cool conditions, because heat can
degrade it, to a forensic laboratory (DNA Evidence Basics, 2012).
B. DNA evidence is then analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method, which
allows for small samples to be tested (Harris, 2001).

1. Then, it may be cross referenced to a profile already in the database, or genetic data from a
suspect.
2. If the PCR method is not effective, analysts may use short tandem repeat method, which
targets specific areas found on the nuclear DNA, the Y-chromosome method, which identifies
genetic markers on the Y chromosome when there are multiple male contributors, or the
Mitochondrial analysis, which analyzes DNA from the mitochondria rather than the nucleus
(Harris, 2001).
(The process of collecting DNA evidence is meticulous work, but worth it if it means a positive
outcome.)
(Transition- Of course, this whole process is very important, but the most important part is
proving the innocence or guilt of suspects.)
III.

Main Point 3- Examples of Success

A. The body of a 15 year-old girl was found raped and murdered in England, and 3 years later
in 1987 another girl met the same fate.
1. Richard Buckland was arrested and admitted to the crime after pressure from the police. An
untested technique, genetic fingerprinting through DNA analysis was used, proving Buckland
innocent.
2. 5,500 men from the local area were tested, and Colin Pitchfork had the matching DNA to the
semen samples from both girls. He was the first murderer convicted using DNA evidence (The
Forensic Outreach Team, 2013).
B. In 2005, a project named the Innocence project began working to free wrongly convicted
criminals using DNA evidence.
1. They encourage prosecutors and defense attorneys to take a step back and realize that
mistakes are made and details are missed.
2. To date, they have helped to convict thousands of criminals and free 160 wrongly convicted
individuals (Thomson, 2005).
(These are only a few of over 170,000 cases in which DNA evidence has assisted in convicting
the criminal.)

(Transition- Allow me to finish off this forensic journey with some final words.)
Conclusion
I.
Summarize (overall theme): I have given you a great idea of DNA evidence today.
II.
Review (each main point): I have given a brief history of forensic development,
explained the process of collection and analysis, and given examples of how it has helped to
solve major crimes in the world.
III.
Tie to the Introduction: So next time you kick back to watch your favorite crime show,
remember the real life application of the DNA analysis they use in the show.
IV.
Creative concluding though (end with impact): Finally, be glad we can feel safe in our
world knowing DNA evidence can help to put criminals away!

References
Thomson, G. (2005). DNA evidence. Encyclopedia. Retrieved from
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/DNA_evidence.aspx
What is DNA evidence? (2016). Find Law. Retrieved from
http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-procedure/what-is-dna-evidence.html
Harris, W. (2001, January 18). How DNA evidence works. How Stuff Works. Retrieved from
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/dna-evidence.htm
DNA Evidence Basics. (2012, August 9). National Institute of Justice. Retrieved from
http://nij.gov/topics/forensics/evidence/dna/basics/pages/welcome.aspx
James, R. (2009, June 19). DNA Testing. TIME. Retrieved from
http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1905706,00.html
Forensic science history. (n.d.). New York State. Retrieved from
https://www.troopers.ny.gov/Crime_Laboratory_System/History/Forensic_Science_Histo
ry/
The Forensic Outreach Team. (2013, October 9). 5 real-life cases where DNA profiling changed
everything. Forensic Outreach. Retrieved from
http://forensicoutreach.com/library/5-real-life-cases-where-dna-profiling-changed-everyt
hing/