With the rise of Second Generation Sequencing (SGS) technology in recent years, forensic scientists
have introduced and applied it to the field of forensic science, thus taking full advantage of its high throughput,
fast sequencing speed and low cost, and greatly contributing to the development of forensic science and its
application in case detection. This paper reviews the importance of second-generation sequencing technology
in forensic genetic marker detection, starting from the history of the application of sequencing technology in
forensic science. The current and potential applications of second-generation sequencing technology in forensic
science are explored using the existing platforms from Illumina and Thermo Fisher Scientific Sequencing
Technologies, which are relevant to forensic science research. For current research, these sequencing platforms
can sequence genetic markers such as STR genetic markers, SNP genetic markers, mtDNA and mRNA. However,
the optimisation of some of the genetic markers in sequencing kits, the introduction and validation of sequencing
kits for Chinese populations, the development of a widely credible data collection standard, the optimisation of
sequencing data analysis software, the interface with existing forensic genetics databases, and the ethical issues
in the use of sequencing data are all important factors in determining whether second-generation sequencing
technologies can replace (or complement) established PCR capillary tube sequencing technologies. The key
to whether second-generation sequencing technology can replace (or complement) established PCR capillary
techniques and be universally applied in criminal cases.