1st Edition
Using Forensic DNA Evidence at Trial A Case Study Approach
Using Forensic DNA Evidence at Trial: A Case Study Approach covers the most common DNA analysis methods used in criminal trials today, including STR techniques, mitochondrial DNA, and Y-STRs. It presents some novel techniques—including familial testing and analyzing domestic animal hair—that have been recently introduced in unique cases, each of which is outlined in detail. It also illustrates special issues related to forensic DNA evidence by using court proceedings such as trials and appeals, commissions of inquiry, and government and laboratory reviews.
With forensic DNA analysis becoming increasingly important at trial, the lively and sometimes bizarre cases presented in this book have been carefully chosen to highlight specific concepts, methods, and interpretations used in DNA analysis. Sections throughout examine the nature of expertise with a special focus on the role of subjectivity in the interpretation of forensic DNA evidence, emphasizing cognitive bias and extraneous context. Using both convictions and exonerations as examples, the book also discusses the strengths and limitations of DNA evidence and testing.
The book is written in an accessible manner for the non-scientific reader, such that criminal lawyers, judges, and forensic experts will all understand the nature of analysis and application of DNA evidence in a variety of court cases. Extensive references—including notable trial proceedings, cross references of cases, and specific forensic statistics—round out the book and help to provide a complete understanding of forensic DNA analysis and its current usage in the courtroom.
History of DNA Profiling Evidence in the Judicial System
Introduction
Introduction of the Technique
DNA Court Challenges during Initial Implementation
Evidence Collection and Laboratory Practices
Changing Technology
Summary
References
Context
Introduction
Exhibits in Context
Context of Testing
Association with a Body Fluid/Matter
Time of Deposition
Scientific Method
References
Transfer
Introduction
Principles of DNA Transfer
Mechanisms of DNA Transfer
Higher Levels of Transfer
Touch
Fingernail Swabs and Cuttings
Packaging
Examination
Environmental Monitoring and Crime Scene Sampling
DNA ‘Dust’
Inadvertent Transfer and Contamination
References
Interpretation of DNA Profiles
Introduction
Sampling: The First Step
Extraction
Quantification
Amplification
Separation and Interpretation
Statistical Evaluation
Relatives
DNA Databases
Cold Cases
References
Statistics
Introduction
Statistical Interpretation and Wording
Concept of ‘Uniqueness’
Statistical Approaches
Single Contributor Profiles
Mixtures
Expert Computer Systems
Population Databases
References
Low Template, Low Level or Low Copy Number DNA
Introduction
History
Low Template, Low Copy Number, Low Level
Ambiguity and Stochastic Effects
Dropout
Mixtures
Statistical Approaches
Performance Tests
Open-Source versus Closed-Source Software
Controversy
References
Y-STR Profiling and Mitochondrial DNA Typing
Introduction
Y-STR Profiling
Mitochondrial DNA Typing
Combining Statistics
Advances
References
Frontiers
Introduction
Familial DNA Searching
Twins
Domestic Animal Hair
Forensic DNA Phenotyping
Mini-STRs
Microbial Forensics
Botany
References
Quality
Introduction
Contamination
Continuity
Transparency
Interpretation
Error Rate
Reliability and Validity
References
Biography
Jane Moira Taupin is an independent forensic science consultant and trainer. She earned her MA in criminology from the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. Her thesis on the impact of DNA profiling was one of the first in the field. She has presented biological expert evidence in courts of law and DNA profiling evidence in court. She has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals on trace evidence, clothing damage and blood pattern analysis. She has also coauthored a text on the forensic examination of clothing and is the author of another on DNA profiling in criminal cases for the legal and forensic communities. She has received several awards in recognition and support of her work from national and international sources.
