1st Edition

Introduction to Forensic DNA Evidence for Criminal Justice Professionals

By Jane Moira Taupin Copyright 2014
    192 Pages 11 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    192 Pages
    by CRC Press

    The use of DNA profiling in forensic cases has been considered the most innovative technique in forensic science since fingerprinting, yet for those with limited scientific knowledge, understanding DNA enough to utilize it properly can be a daunting task. Introduction to Forensic DNA Evidence for Criminal Justice Professionals is designed for nonscientific readers who need to learn how to effectively use forensic DNA in criminal cases.

    Written by a forensic scientist world renowned for her expertise in clothing examination, the book provides a balanced perspective on the weight of DNA evidence. Going beyond a simple explanation of the methodology, it arms attorneys and other criminal justice professionals with knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the evidence, including the danger in relying on DNA statistical probabilities in the determination of guilt.

    The book covers the most common DNA methods used in criminal trials today—nuclear DNA short tandem repeat (STR) techniques, mitochondrial DNA, and Y-STR profiling. It helps prosecutors know when to emphasize DNA evidence or proceed with trial in the absence of such evidence. It assists defense lawyers in knowing when to challenge DNA evidence and perhaps employ an independent expert, when to focus elsewhere, or when to secure the advantage of an early guilty plea.

    By imparting practical and theoretical knowledge in an accessible manner, the book demystifies the topic to help both sides of the adversarial system understand where DNA evidence fits within the context of the case.

    History of forensic DNA profiling in criminal investigations
    Discovery of structure and importance of DNA molecule: A Nobel prize
    DNA and concept of individuality
    Alec Jeffreys and the world’s first murder case solved by DNA
    Early criminal court challenges to DNA technology
    Changing the face of forensic science: The value of biological evidence
    Strengths and limitations of DNA profiling evidence
    Introduction: Power and caution
    Discrimination power of DNA profiling
    Genetic basis for DNA profiling
    Stability of DNA profiling
    Persuasive statistics
    Relatives
    DNA databases
    DNA intelligence-led policing
    Mass disasters
    DNA evidence in context
    Time of deposition: Transfer and persistence of DNA
    Relevant evidence?
    Relevant exhibits?
    "CSI effect" and the notion of infallible forensic evidence
    Relationships of lawyers and scientists
    DNA profiling basics
    What is DNA?
    Biological materials allowing DNA profiling
    Reference samples
    Current profiling technique: Short tandem repeats (STRs)
    Reading tables of alleles
    Obtaining DNA profiles
    Time required to obtain DNA profiles
    Designating peaks
    Case documentation and review
    Evidential value and statistics
    Interpreting DNA profiles
    Statistical approaches and obtaining final statistics
    Legal fallacies
    Understanding reports: Common phrases and their meanings
    Sampling correction and uncertainty
    Relevant population and impact on statistical value
    Relatives
    Partial profiles, low levels, and mixtures
    Partial profiles
    Low level and suboptimal profiles
    DNA mixtures from two or more people
    Mixture interpretation steps
    Low template mixtures
    Complex mixtures
    Y-STR profiling
    Benefits
    Theory
    Statistics
    Number of male contributors to Y-
    STR profile
    Determining mixture ratios
    Combining statistics from autosomal and Y-STR profiling
    Other DNA techniques including mitochondrial DNA
    DNA analysis of bone
    Mitochondrial DNA basics
    Statistics in mitochondrial DNA analysis
    Contamination
    Mixture mitochondrial DNA profiles
    Familial DNA searching
    Domestic animal hair
    Other techniques
    Concerns and controversies
    Quality issues
    Relevant sample testing
    Contamination
    Interpretation issues
    Error rates
    Overreliance on DNA technology
    Interpretation of DNA profiles: Objectivity and subjectivity
    Retesting of samples
    Adversarial system
    Misconception about exact science
    Obligations
    DNA pointers for criminal justice professionals
    Advantages of DNA profiling
    Querying DNA evidence: Advice for the prosecution and the defense
    Warning signs
    Was all evidence tested?
    Pretrial review
    Suggested cross-examination questions
    Discovery requests
    Appendix A: Glossary of terms used in reports and testimony
    Appendix B: Selected DNA issues and case examples
    Appendix C: Steps in review of evidence
    Index

    Biography

    Jane Moira Taupin

    . . . a valuable introduction, with many useful examples. The limitations of the subject, the need for caution in interpretation and problems such as contamination and degradation are expertly handled.
    —Graham Fricke, QC, retired County Court Judge

    Overall this book is very clearly written. The author is able to simplify complex scientific terms and concepts into information understandable by a wide audience with divers experiences and backgrounds … This book will serve as a great reference for nonscientists who routinely encounter DNA evidence within the criminal justice system and for students interested in an introduction to forensic DNA evidence.
    —Book review by Krista E. Latham, PhD, appearing in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, July 2014, Vol. 59, No. 4