DNA degradation is a critical factor in forensic science, impacting the analysis of biological evidence and the resolution of criminal cases. DNA, the genetic material essential for forensic identification, can degrade over time due to various environmental and biological factors, affecting its integrity and usability. Understanding the mechanisms of DNA degradation is vital for forensic casework, as degraded DNA samples pose challenges in analysis but also offer unique opportunities for historical identification and archaeological research. Factors such as temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, and microbial activity contribute to DNA degradation, while the degradation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) has distinct implications in forensic investigations. mtDNA is more resistant to degradation and is often used in cases with limited DNA samples, whereas nDNA is more susceptible to degradation and requires advanced techniques for analysis. DNA degradation analysis helps estimate the time since death and provides insights into the post-mortem interval, aiding in criminal investigations. Techniques such as gel electrophoresis, single-cell gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are used to study DNA degradation, enabling the analysis of degraded samples and improving the accuracy of forensic investigations. Despite challenges, DNA degradation remains a valuable tool in forensic science, contributing to the identification of suspects, victims, and the resolution of complex criminal cases. Ongoing advancements in forensic techniques and technologies continue to enhance the reliability and utility of degraded DNA analysis in legal and scientific contexts.DNA degradation is a critical factor in forensic science, impacting the analysis of biological evidence and the resolution of criminal cases. DNA, the genetic material essential for forensic identification, can degrade over time due to various environmental and biological factors, affecting its integrity and usability. Understanding the mechanisms of DNA degradation is vital for forensic casework, as degraded DNA samples pose challenges in analysis but also offer unique opportunities for historical identification and archaeological research. Factors such as temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, and microbial activity contribute to DNA degradation, while the degradation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) has distinct implications in forensic investigations. mtDNA is more resistant to degradation and is often used in cases with limited DNA samples, whereas nDNA is more susceptible to degradation and requires advanced techniques for analysis. DNA degradation analysis helps estimate the time since death and provides insights into the post-mortem interval, aiding in criminal investigations. Techniques such as gel electrophoresis, single-cell gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are used to study DNA degradation, enabling the analysis of degraded samples and improving the accuracy of forensic investigations. Despite challenges, DNA degradation remains a valuable tool in forensic science, contributing to the identification of suspects, victims, and the resolution of complex criminal cases. Ongoing advancements in forensic techniques and technologies continue to enhance the reliability and utility of degraded DNA analysis in legal and scientific contexts.