The increasingly arcane world of DNA profiling demands that those needing to understand at least some of it must find a source of reliable and understandable information.

Table of Contents

• Contributors
• Foreword
• Preface
• Glossary
• Abbreviations and Acronyms
• Part A: Background
• Chapter 1: Introduction to Forensic Genetics
• The Ideal Forensic Material—Individualization
• DNA—The Molecule
• DNA in Populations
• The Scientific Expert
• Forensic DNA
• Chapter 2: DNA: An Overview
• History of DNA Profiling
• STR Analysis
• DNA Extraction
• DNA Quantification
• DNA Profile Interpretation
• Low Template DNA Profiling
• References
• Chapter 3: DNA
• Introduction
• Fundamental Human Anatomy
• Fundamental Genetics
• Fundamental Molecular Biology
• Summary
• References
• Chapter 4: Introduction to Forensic DNA Profiling — The Electropherogram (epg)
• Notation and Descriptions of Profiles
• Separation
• The Kit
• Relative Fluorescence Units, Peak Height, and Peak Area
• Controls
• References
• Chapter 5: Biological Stains
• Introduction
• Locating Potential Biological Material
• Other Body Fluids and Secretions
• Trace Biological Material
• References
• Chapter 6: Sources of DNA
• Introduction
• Blood
• The Vaginal Tract
• Semen
• Trace DNA
• Low Copy Number and Single Cells
• Saliva
• Fingernails
• Fingerprints
• Hair
• Teeth and Bone
• Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples
• Fecal Material
• Unusual Sources
• Plant Material as Forensic Evidence
• Summary
• References
• Chapter 7: Identification and Individualization
• Identity, Identification, and Individualization
• DNA Evidence and Individualization
• Uniqueness
• Reporting Identification Evidence in Court
• References
• Chapter 8: Transfer
• Introduction
• Transfer of Trace DNA
• Factors Affecting the Detection of Transferred DNA
• Evaluation of DNA Transfer in Forensic Casework
• Potential Contamination Issues
• Conclusion
• References
• Chapter 9: Laboratory Accreditation
• Introduction and Background
• Accreditation
• Accreditation Schemes
• ISO17025
• Accreditation in the Forensic Context
• Defense Expert Accreditation
• Conclusion
• References
• Chapter 10: Validation
• Introduction
• Validation Defined
• Types of Validations
• Governing Bodies and Guidelines
• Internal Validations Process
• Sample Selection
• Sample Size
• Setting Thresholds
• Performance Checks and Material Modifications
• Challenges of Validation Process
• Testimony and Training
• References
• Further Reading
• Part B: Analysis & Interpretation
• Chapter 11: Extraction
• Introduction
• Differential Extraction
• Solid-Phase Extraction Technologies
• Solutions for Specific Sample Types
• Contamination
• Automated Extraction
• References
• Chapter 12: Quantitation
• Introduction
• Background
• Principles of Real-Time PCR
• Quantitation of Low-Level DNA Analysis
• References
• Chapter 13: Amplification
• References
• Chapter 14: Interpretation of Mixtures; Graphical
• Identifying and Interpreting Mixtures
• Mixed Samples; Analysis of Mixtures
• Major/Minor Mixtures
• Complex Mixtures
• Stutter
• Low-Template Mixtures
• Partial Profiles
• Degraded Samples
• References
• Chapter 15: DNA Mixture Interpretation
• Introduction
• Conventional Mixture Deconvolution
• Probabilistic Approaches
• Semi-Continuous Probabilistic Genotyping Approaches
• Fully Continuous Probabilistic Genotyping Approaches
• Black Boxes and Due Process: Transparency in Expert Software Systems
• References
• Chapter 16: Degraded Samples
• Introduction
• Characteristics of Degraded DNA Samples
• Objectively Identifying Potential Degradation/Inhibition
• Mini-STRs
• Y-STR Testing
• Low Copy Number Testing
• Addressing Inhibition
• The Coroner's Inquest into the Death of Jaidyn Leskie
• Conclusions
• References
• Chapter 17: Ceiling Principle: DNA
• Introduction
• References
• Chapter 18: Y-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats
• Introduction
• Commonly Used Y-STR Markers
• Interpretation of a Y-STR Match
• Casework Applications
• References
• Chapter 19: Expert Systems in DNA Interpretation
• Introduction
• Challenges in DNA Interpretation
• The Likelihood Ratio Framework
• The Need for Expert Systems
• Currently Available Expert Systems
• Further Evaluation of the Evidence
• Comparative Studies
• Validation
• Remaining Challenges
• References
• Chapter 20: Paternity Testing
• History of Markers Used for Paternity Testing
• Legal Aspects of Paternity Testing
• Practical Process
• Data Analysis
• Testing with or without a Sample of the Mother
• Mutation Events
• Gonosomal Marker and Paternity Testing
• Statistical Evaluation
• Kinship Cases
• Paternity Tests in Case of Immigration
• Quality Management in Paternity Testing Laboratories
• References
• Chapter 21: Observer Effects
• Introduction
• Underlying Psychological Phenomenon
• Minimizing Observer Effects
• Empirical Studies of Observer Effects in Forensic Science
• Case Managers and Sequential Unmasking
• References
• Part C: Applications
• Chapter 22: Databases
• Introduction
• A Brief Summary of National DNA Database Programs
• Operational Impact of Forensic DNA Databases
• Investigative and Intelligence Use of Forensic DNA Databases
• Familial Searching
• Cold Case Review and Postconviction Testing
• Socio-Legal Issues Associated with Forensic DNA Databases
• Summary
• Acknowledgment
• References
• Chapter 23: Missing Persons and Paternity: DNA
• Introduction
• Measures of Inbreeding and Relatedness
• Frequencies of Sets of Alleles
• Parentage Testing
• Missing Person Calculations
• Discussion
• Acknowledgment
• References
• Chapter 24: Familial Searching
• Familial Searching: Definition
• Kinship Indices
• Strategies for Autosomal Familial Searches
• Further Statistical Issues
• Ethical Aspects
• References
• Chapter 25: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
• Introduction
• Challenges in Forensic Genetics
• SNP Typing Methods
• SNPs as Investigative Leads
• References
• Chapter 26: Mini-STRs
• Emergence of Mini-STRs as a Forensic Tool
• Challenges to Mini-STR Development
• Conclusions
• References
• Chapter 27: Phenotype
• Introduction
• Indirect Method of Phenotype Inference
• Direct Method
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Chapter 28: Mitochondrial DNA: Profiling
• Introduction
• mtDNA Biology
• Nonforensic Uses
• Laboratory Practices
• References
• Chapter 29: Geographical Identification by Viral Genotyping
• Introduction
• Relations between Parasitic Genotype and Geographic Area
• Detection of Parasitic Genotypes from Forensic Samples
• Estimation of Geographic Origin
• Potential New Approaches toward Geographical Identification Using Human Parasites
• References
• Further Reading
• Chapter 30: Microbial Forensics
• Introduction
• Detection and Identification Capabilities
• Interpretation of Microbial Forensic Results
• Conclusion
• References
• Further Reading
• Chapter 31: Wildlife Crime
• Introduction
• Species Identification
• DNA Profiling
• Limits of Detection
• Emerging Techniques
• Standards
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Part D: Court
• Chapter 32: DNA Databases – The Significance of Unique Hits and the Database Controversy
• Introduction and the Controversy
• Posterior Odds
• How Do Courts Deal with the Issue?
• Some Final Remarks and Conclusion
• Appendix
• References
• Chapter 33: DNA Databases and Evidentiary Issues
• Introduction
• Adventitious Matches
• Estimation of DNA Match Statistics after a Database Search
• Conclusion
• References
• Chapter 34: Communicating Probabilistic Forensic Evidence in Court
• Characterizations of a Match
• How Do Jurors Think About and Use Match Statistics?
• How Should a Forensic Scientist Communicate Match Statistics?
• References
• Chapter 35: Report Writing for Courts
• Introduction
• Legal Requirements of an Expert Report
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Chapter 36: Discovery of Expert Findings
• Introduction
• Discovery in Common and Civil Law Systems
• Criminal and Civil Law Procedures
• Discovery in Criminal Matters
• Discovery in Civil Matters
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Chapter 37: Ethical Rules of Expert Behavior
• Introduction
• Defining Ethics
• Fact Settings Presenting Potential Ethical Problems
• Sanctions against Experts for Unethical Conduct
• Conclusion
• Chapter 38: Verbal Scales: A Legal Perspective
• Helpfulness
• The Davie principle
• “Sufficiently Reliable to be Admitted”
• The “range of opinion” rule
• References
• Chapter 39: Direct Examination of Experts
• Nature, Purpose, and Scope
• Expert Witnesses and Opinion Evidence
• Eliciting the Testimony of the Expert on Direct Examination
• Chapter 40: Cross-Examination of Experts
• Nature, Purpose, and Scope
• Cross-Examination—Some Additional Concepts
• Cross-Examining the Qualifications of the Witness
• Cross-Examining with Contrary Opinions Expressed in the Expert's Professional Literature
• Redirect and Re-Cross-Examination
• Chapter 41: DNA in the UK Courts
• Introduction
• Admissibility
• Statistics and DNA Profiles
• Statistics, Experience, and Expertise
• Low Template DNA (LTDNA) Evidence
• Transfer and Persistence of DNA
• Recent Jurisprudence
• Scotland—Different Jurisdiction, Different Standard?
• Overall
• References
• Chapter 42: Legal Issues with Forensic DNA in the USA
• Building the Database Empire
• Opting Out—Private Databases
• Focusing on Sensitivity over Accuracy
• An Example: The NYOCME and US v Johnny Morganbe
• US v. Johnny Morgan
• Shifting Standards
• Legal Controversy and Implications
• Closing Off DNA from Defense Scrutiny
• Conclusion
• Chapter 43: Issues in Forensic DNA
• Introduction
• Issues
• Experience
• Conclusion
• References
• Chapter 44: Future Technologies and Challenges
• Crime Scene
• Laboratory Analysis
• Interpretation
• Evaluation
• “Blue Sky” Thinking
• References