subject: What Are The Benefits Of Court Approved Dna Tests? [print this page] There are a number of potential reasons for court approved DNA testing to be undertaken. Any such tests must be performed by a firm accredited by the Department of Constitutional Affairs and the person taking the DNA samples must also be suitably medically qualified.
DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid, to give it its full name, is present in every cell in our bodies. It determines everything from the colour of our hair and eyes through to our stature, bone density and even our predisposition to certain medical conditions. DNA is inherited from both our parents and, as such, is definitive proof of a link between family members.
When DNA testing is used to ascertain paternity, samples will be taken for DNA testing from the mother, the alleged father as well as the child. Each party to be tested must give their consent, with the legal guardian of the child in question providing consent on their behalf. It is illegal to obtain DNA samples without consent.
The procedure used to obtain DNA samples simply involves the use of a swab on the inside of the mouth and it is absolutely painless. At the time of the testing, the subjects being tested must provide two passport size photographs and must bring their passports to prove that they are who they say they are. The person undertaking the DNA testing will sign the back of these photographs stating that this is indeed a likeness of the person from whom the sample has been taken. The results are usually available within two weeks.
If either of the parents are unavailable, or indeed if one has passed away, it is still possible to prove that they are the biological parents as DNA samples can be taken from both maternal and paternal grandparents provided that they consent to the testing. DNA is hereditary amongst family members and relationships such as grandparent / grandchild or indeed aunt or uncle can be identified via DNA testing.
In the context of paternity cases, once paternity has been proved, a Court will subsequently be in a position to instigate an appropriate maintenance order, if this is the purpose of the test. Perhaps more importantly, from the child's perspective, the father's name can be registered on the birth certificate rather than the child looking at a birth certificate in the future stating "father unknown".
In many cases, a Court may be involved in disputes between alleged beneficiaries of a deceased person's estate. Here, lineage DNA testing may be able to establish the requisite genetic link.
Forensic DNA is invaluable and the DNA testing of crime scenes has assisted the police in many high profile investigations, often resulting in the culprits being arrested and brought to justice.
Immigration DNA testing is another extremely important use of Court approved DNA testing, allowing the relevant authorities to ensure that claims for residency are legitimate.
In view of the stringent conditions involved in court approved DNA tests, the benefits of undertaking them and their legal admissibility far outweigh ordinary DNA testing when it comes to establishing proof of identity for a variety of reasons.
