Covers the scientific basis for DNA testimony, key terminology, statistical interpretations of DNA typing, and a summary of court decisions and admissibility standards. In language suitable for professionals in the legal system as well as those in the fields of forensics and law enforcement, clarifies general principles of complex techniques, presents general trends in admissibility standards, and emphasizes the advantages and limitations of using DNA techniques for the presentation of evidence in the courtroom.
An update of the 1992 National Research Council's , reporting on how DNA evidence is interpreted in courts, examining developments in population genetics and statistics, and commenting on statements made in the previous volume that proved controversial or that have been misapplied in the courts. Offers recommendations for handling samples and performing calculations, and discusses causes and prevention of laboratory errors. Also addresses statistical issues.
Surveys the growing practice of matching DNA from crime scenes with that of suspects. Offers recommendations for such issues as the reliability and quality of DNA typing, standardization, and certification; and considers broader concerns such as the different levels of understanding by judges and juries, population genetics, and rights of privacy concerning DNA data and samples.
This easy to read and thoroughly up-to-date book explains fully the scientific basis of DNA fingerprinting and profiling. The authors describe the many current applications, including kinship testing and the conviction -- or exoneration -- of crime suspects. The book also expertly covers crucial legal and ethical issues. A fascinating chapter looks at the future development of the procedure. "DNA Fingerprinting 2/e" is an essential reading for anyone interested in the genetic, forensic, legal and ethical issues raised by this powerful technique - particularly medical and biology students and members of the legal profession.
Forensic DNA Typing examines the science of current forensic DNA typing methods by focusing on the biology and technology ehind short tandem repeat (STR) markers and the most common forensic DNA analysis methods used today. This comprehensive handbook will help forensic scientists gain a better understanding of STRs, and help professionals in the law enforcement and legal communities comprehend the complexities of DNA profiling. It will also help forensic DNA laboratories meet the training requirements in the new DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards, which are reprinted in the Appendices. The first few chapters of Forensic DNA Typing provide a thorough introduction to the topic for those readers who might be less familiar with DNA, while providing a useful review for more advanced readers. It goes on to cover new genetic markers and information on rapidly changing technologies to help professionals understand how to make accurate identifications through DNA typing. The book concludes with reviews of the DNA testing performed in high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial, the President Clinton-Monica Lewinsky affair, identifying the remains of Russia's Romanov family and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings affair, and others.
Provides the theoretical underpinnings for interpreting matching DNA profiles and the means to express evidentiary strength in courts of law. A sampling of topics: probability theory, transfer evidence, basic statistics, population and statistical genetics, parentage testing, mixtures, calculating match probabilities, and presenting evidence in court with particular reference to recent cases in the UK. Since the focus is on the current generation of polymerase chain reaction nuclear DNA(r)based profiling systems, there is no discussion of match/binning or of mitochondrial DNA statistics. The anticipated audience is forensic science and legal professionals who have some understanding of the current uses of DNA profiling.
