DNA analysis has enhanced the ability of forensic scientists to characterize biological evidence over the past 20 years. Despite advances in technology, until recently it was still difficult to analyze highly degraded DNA samples. The development of a miniSTR process that reduces the size of amplicons increases the detection of degraded DNA by focusing on smaller fragments. Experiments using miniSTR analysis have shown dramatic increases in the sensitivity of DNA detection. MiniSTR analysis has been brought into the mainstream by adapting the technology to be compatible with current STR typing systems. In addition to describing the miniSTR approach and its uses for analyzing highly degraded DNA samples, the article also outlines legislative changes that have increased the need for advanced DNA analysis techniques, such as State laws that require the DNA typing of all felony arrests and weapons used in crimes. The push to resolve old missing persons and criminal cases has also spurred the development of more sensitive DNA analysis technology. There is no doubt that commercially available miniSTR kits will provide forensic scientists with a powerful tool for analyzing increasingly small pieces of DNA evidence. Figures, references