Elsevier S & T

A Litigator's Guide to DNA: From the Laboratory to the Courtroom

Michaelis, Ron C.; Flanders, Robert G., Jr.; Wulff, Paula

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Table of contents
  • Cover
  • Dedicationv
  • Table of Contentsvii
  • ACKNOWLEDGMENTSxi
  • INTRODUCTIONxiii
  • CHAPTER 1 The Structure of DNA and the Variability of the Human DNA Sequence1
  • You Are Out of Your Field, But Not Out of Your Depth1
  • Markers, Alleles, Genotypes and Profiles2
  • The Two Sources of DNA in Human Cells5
  • The Structure of DNA and RNA6
  • Variability Is the Rule, Not the Exception11
  • Polymorphisms Commonly Used for Forensic Testing15
  • Using the DNA Profile to Identify an Unknown Perpetrator24
  • References and Additional Readings25
  • CHAPTER 2 The Molecular Biological Basis of Forensic DNA Tests27
  • Extraction and Quantification of DNA27
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Based Tests32
  • Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Testing50
  • Direct Sequencing51
  • References and Additional Readings53
  • CHAPTER 3 Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Sources of Uncertainty in the Data55
  • Laboratory Accreditation, Personnel Certification and Proficiency Testing55
  • Validation Studies59
  • The Inevitable Nemeses: Suboptimal Samples and Human Error61
  • Allele Dropout Due to Degradation, Preferential Amplification and Stochastic Effects70
  • Artifacts Inherent in STR Analyses75
  • Hybridization Specificity in Dot-Blot Tests87
  • References and Additional Readings88
  • CHAPTER 4 Population Genetics, Probability Calculations and the Proper Interpretation of the Evidenc91
  • The Common Logical Fallacies91
  • Databanks and Databases99
  • Allele Frequencies, Genotype Probabilities and the Product Rule for Independent Events106
  • The Principles of Population Genetics that Impact Forensic DNA Calculations113
  • Applying the Product Rule„Compensating for Population Substructure and Possible Allele Dropout119
  • The Likelihood Ratio (LR) Allows the Analyst to Compare the Strength of Competing Hypotheses135
  • The Application of Bayes’ Theorem to Paternity Disputes142
  • Recommended Procedure for Analyzing Mixed Samples147
  • References and Additional Readings167
  • CHAPTER 5 Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analyses171
  • The mtDNA Molecule„Abundant and Durable but Less Variable than nDNA171
  • Laboratory Analysis of mtDNA Haplotypes174
  • Matrilineal Inheritance and a Lack of Recombination178
  • A High Mutation Rate Leads to Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy180
  • Statistical Analysis of mtDNA Haplotype Data187
  • References and Additional Readings193
  • CHAPTER 6 Y Chromosome Analyses197
  • Y Chromosome Evolution and its Consequences for Forensic Analyses197
  • Laboratory Analysis of Y Chromosome Haplotypes204
  • Statistical Analysis of Y Chromosome Haplotypes207
  • References and Additional Readings212
  • CHAPTER 7 DNA in Court215
  • The Evolution of Standards for Admissibility of Experts and Evidence215
  • The Ongoing Controversy Regarding Laboratory Error Rates225
  • Counsels’ Obligations Regarding Discovery228
  • Expert Witnesses232
  • The Durability of DNA Presents Problems for Statutes of Limitation237
  • Rape Shield Laws May Limit the Use of DNA Evidence238
  • Judges’ and Jurors’ Perceptions of DNA Evidence239
  • References and Additional Readings253
  • CHAPTER 8 Arguing for the Prosecution255
  • Obtaining DNA Samples255
  • DNA in the Courtroom: The Essentials of the Prosecution’s Presentation279
  • References and Additional Readings312
  • CHAPTER 9 Arguing for the Defense313
  • The Defense’s Choice of Strategy313
  • Elements of a Competent Defense326
  • When the Defendant Has Been Identified by a Databank Search362
  • References and Additional Readings367
  • CHAPTER 10 Postconviction DNA Testing369
  • DNA has the Power to Exonerate the Innocent369
  • Avenues for Relief370
  • There Are Many Procedural Obstacles373
  • New Evidence May Justify a New Theory of the Case379
  • Accessing the Necessary Samples380
  • Know the Specific Provisions of the Controlling Statute383
  • References and Additional Readings386
  • APPENDIX I: Using the Chi-Square Test to Determine if a Population Conforms to HWE Expectations389
  • APPENDIX II: How the RMP, Prior Odds of Guilt, and the PFP Influence the Posterior Odds of Guilt (PO393
  • APPENDIX III: Paternity Index (PI) Calculations for Different Combinations of Maternal, Child and Al397
  • APPENDIX IV: A Sample Consent Form to Collect an Oral Swab, Which Allows the Profile Obtained to Be399
  • APPENDIX V: Doing Your Own Research: Useful References, Websites and Strategies for Finding Current401
  • GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS411
  • INDEX423
  • Color Plates431
Book details
  • Vendor Elsevier S & T
  • SKU 9780123740366
  • ISBN-13 9780080560403
  • Author Michaelis, Ron C.; Flanders, Robert G., Jr.; Wulff, Paula
  • Category Law
  • Subject Forensic Science

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A Litigator's Guide to DNA educates litigators, judges, criminalists, students, and others about all aspects of the use of DNA evidence in criminal and civil trials. It includes discussions of the molecular biological basis for the tests, essential laboratory practices, probability theory and mathematical calculations. It presents issues relevant to all parties involved in trying a case, from the prosecution and the defense, and to the judge and jury. The book is also extremely useful as a text for students aspiring to careers in forensic science and criminal law.

The authors provide a full background on both the molecular biology and the mathematical theory behind forensic tests written specifically for people with little or no science background. No other book relates the foundational information on molecular biology and statistics to legal practice issues as extensively as this book does.

* "Recapping the Main Point" boxes provide a simple and concise summary of the main points
* Includes a glossary of essential terms and their definitions
* Contains a full-color insert with illustrations that emphasize key concepts