DNA Evidence: Powerful, But Not Magic DNA evidence is one of the most influential tools in forensic science, but it is often misunderstood. In investigations, DNA is used to associate a person with biological material found at a location. It does not automatically prove how, when, or why that DNA was deposited. Forensic scientists must consider: • Type of DNA: nuclear vs. mitochondrial • Sample quality: degradation, mixtures, and quantity • Context: location, transfer, and persistence DNA can su