**2. Short history of forensic genetics**

In 1880, British anthropologist Sir Francis Galton published the first studies on digital finger‐ printing as an identification method of a certain person.

Another important step in forensic identification was discovering the protein polymorphism of the AB0 blood groups by the Austrian doctor Landsteiner at the beginning of the twentieth century.

After year 1950, in the forensic serology, laboratories were tested a number of blood and tissue antigens, culminating with researching the major histocompatibility complex (HLA).

Sir Alec Jeffreys introduced for the first time the DNA fingerprinting in the field of forensic genetics, proving that some regions from the DNA contain repetitive sequences which are variable among individuals [1]. He was the first to prove the importance of using genetic fingerprinting in the case of forensic personal identification (crimes, filiation, consanguinity, sexual abuse, immigration).

Due to this discovery, the first case of forensic genetics could be solved using the DNA analysis [2]. After murdering of two girls in 1983 and 1986, the police organized the blood sample collection from 5000 men living in the area where the murder took place, and finally found the killer by his DNA profile [3].

In 1983, Kary Mullis developed the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique which opened new ways in DNA analysis in the forensic genetics. Thus, from each biological human trace or micro‐trace containing nucleated cells, the DNA is extracted to be subjected to amplification reactions. The method is an enzymatic process by which regions of the DNA are replicated (multiplied) 28–34 times, generating about one billion (109 ) copies. This technique highlights the number of repetitions of the base unit and turns them into alpha‐numeric values, known as genetic profiles.

Genetic analysis of a very small number of nucleated cells, namely a very small amount of biological material, is made by a different approach from the usual situations and aims to generate, through the reaction of amplification, the sufficient quantity of copies of DNA fragments to obtain an exploitable genetic profile. This method is applicable to biological samples with a DNA matrix containing <50 pg., to biological micro‐traces, to biological samples that are in an advanced stage of decay, with single source or multiple sources.

For the last two decades, the results of the DNA analysis have been accepted as evidence in the court in many countries [4]. Since February 1992 when The European Council issued the **Recommendation No. 92**, regarding the use of the DNA analysis in the criminal justice the DNA test is accepted in the Court [5].
