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This new edition of a bestseller emphasizes the advantages and limitations of various DNA techniques used in the analysis of forensic evidence. It covers the shift to Short Tandem Repeat (STR) technology, and updates methods and legal issues affected by this shift. The authors discuss forensic DNA issues from both a scientific and legal perspective, and present the material in a manner understandable by professionals in the legal system, forensic science, and law enforcement.
List of contents
Introduction. The Nature of Physical Evidence. The Collection and Preservation of Physical Evidence. A Short History of DNA Typing. The Scientific Basis of DNA Typing. An Overview of Forensic DNA Typing Systems. Procedures for Forensic DNA Analysis. Interpretation of DNA Typing Results. Assessing the Strength of the Evidence. The DNA Databank. Quality Assurance. Admissibility Standards - Science on Trial in the Courtroom. Epilogue. Glossary. Appendices.
About the author
Norah Rudin, Keith Inman
Summary
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.
Additional text
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 CHOICEAbout 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
