What is the primary use of biological evidence in forensics?

The primary use of biological evidence in forensics is to obtain DNA for identification analysis. DNA, found in biological materials such as blood, hair, saliva, and other bodily fluids, serves as a highly reliable means of linking an individual to a crime scene or a victim. By analyzing the unique DNA profiles that each individual possesses, forensic scientists can establish connections between suspects and evidence with a high degree of accuracy. This makes DNA a powerful tool in criminal investigations, particularly in solving cases of assault, homicide, and sexual offenses.

Biological evidence is foundational in forensic science because it stands up to scrutiny in both investigative and judicial contexts. It can provide conclusive evidence that can identify a perpetrator or exonerate an innocent person. While obtaining fingerprints for identification analysis, collecting testimonies, or analyzing digital evidence are also important aspects of forensic investigations, they do not utilize biological evidence in the same fundamental way as DNA does. Thus, the primary focus and advantage of biological evidence lie in its role in DNA identification.