2nd Edition

An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis

By Norah Rudin, Keith Inman Copyright 2002
    344 Pages 18 Color & 78 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Significant advances in DNA analysis techniques have surfaced since the 1997 publication of the bestselling An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis. DNA typing has become increasingly automated and miniaturized. Also, with the advent of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) technology, even the most minute sample of degraded DNA can yield a profile, providing valuable case information. However, just as the judicial system slowly and reluctantly accepted RFLP and AmpliType® PM+DQA1 typing, it is now scrutinizing the admissibility of STRs.

    Acknowledging STR typing as the current system of choice, An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, Second Edition translates new and established concepts into plain English so that laypeople can gain insight into how DNA analysis works, from sample collection to interpretation of results. In response to the shift toward more efficient techniques, the authors cover the legal admissibility of STR typing, expand the chapter on DNA databases, and revise the section on automated analysis. They also present key decisions and appellate or supreme court rulings that provide precedent at the state and federal levels.

    Discussing forensic DNA issues from both a scientific and a legal perspective, the authors of An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, Second Edition present the material in a manner understandable by professionals in the legal system, law enforcement, and forensic science. They cover general principles in a clear fashion and include a glossary of terms and other useful appendices for easy reference.

    Introduction
    The Nature of Physical Evidence
    Science and the Law
    Principles and Processes of Criminalistics
    Fingerprints and DNA
    Conventional Blood Typing

    The Collection and Preservation of Physical Evidence
    Extraneous Substances
    Collection of Evidence
    Preservation of Evidence
    Evaluation of Evidence

    A Short History of DNA Typing

    The Scientific Basis of DNA Typing
    Why DNA?
    An Introduction to Human Genetics
    An Introduction to the Molecular Biology of DNA
    Two Kinds of Variation
    Enzymes, the Workhorses of the Biological World

    An Overview of Forensic DNA Typing Systems
    RFLP Analysis
    PCR Amplification
    What Kinds of Samples Can be Analyzed?
    How Much Sample Do You Need?

    Procedures for Forensic DNA Analysis
    Isolation of DNA
    Determining Quality and Quantity of DNA
    RFLP Analysis
    PCR Amplification
    Analysis of PCR Product
    Automated Analysis Systems

    Interpretation of DNA Typing Results
    Complicating Factors
    System Specific Interpretational Issues
    Summary of DNA Interpretation Issues

    Assessing the Strength of the Evidence
    Determination of Genetic Concordance
    Evaluation of Results
    Frequency Estimate Calculations
    Population Substructure
    Likelihood Ratios
    When is a DNA Profile Unique?

    The DNA Databank
    Premise of a Databank
    The Difference between a Databank and a Database
    Elements of a Successful Databank
    Summary

    Quality Assurance
    Certification and Accreditation
    SWDAM (formerly TWGDAM)
    NRC I and II
    Federal DNA Advisory Board

    Admissibility Standards - Science on Trial in the Courtroom
    Frye, Daubert, and the Federal Rules of Evidence
    DNA - Some Landmark Cases
    The State of the Debate

    Epilogue
    Glossary
    Appendices

    Biography

    Norah Rudin, Keith Inman

    About the new edition:

    "This book, in just a few pages, offers fundamental theory, processes, interpretation, and presentation of DNA evidence in court in an interesting and entertaining way, with illustrative cases liberally sprinkled throughout. … An ideal book."

    - J.A. Siegel, Michigan State University, in CHOICE

    About the first edition:

    "This well-illustrated book also contains many interesting casework examples. It is a very useful reference source, not only for forensic biologists, but for anyone interested in acquiring complete and clear information on past, present, and future trends in forensic DNA analysis."

    -Paul Roussy, RCM Police Central Forensic Laboratory, Ontario, Canada