DNA profiling gained national attention because of the _____ trial.

DNA profiling gained national attention due to the O.J. Simpson trial. This case, which took place in the mid-1990s, was one of the first high-profile criminal trials to involve DNA evidence extensively. The introduction of DNA profiling as a form of evidence played a crucial role in the trial, highlighting both its potential for providing conclusive proof of guilt or innocence and the controversies surrounding its reliability and interpretation.

The media coverage and public interest in the Simpson trial helped to elevate DNA evidence to a significant place within the criminal justice system and public consciousness. The trial's outcome also spurred discussions about forensic science, the legal system's handling of such evidence, and its implications for future cases. This pivotal moment has lasted into the present, affecting how DNA is used in criminal investigations today.