An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, Second Edition

DNA analysis has its roots in classical genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology; however, it has recently found itself in an unlikely arena: a court of law. How can judges, juries, and others with little or no scientific training hope to comprehend the specifics of the highly technical fields of molecular biology and genetics? Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis translates these concepts into plain English so that laypeople can gain insight into how DNA analysis works, from sample collection to interpretation of results. This book emphasizes the advantages and limitations of various DNA techniques used in the analysis of forensic evidence. The authors discuss forensic DNA issues from both a scientific and a legal perspective, and they present the material in a manner understandable by professionals in the legal system, forensic science, and law enforcement. Coverage includes: Key terminology used in the field The scientific basis of DNA typing Statistical interpretations of DNA typing A summary of court decisions and admissibility standards

Table of Contents:
TABLE OF CASE HISTORIES (SIDEBARS) To Catch a Cougar The Bungled Burglary (Or, the Burglar that Couldn't) Quintanilla The Czar's Bones (Or, What Difference a Base Pair?) A Case of Victim's Evidence (Or, One Bled and the Other Pled) Minisatellite Variable Repeat Analysis (MVR) The Simpson Saga The Case of the Disappearing Sperm (Or, Whose Type is it Anyway?) The Botanical Witness (Or, What the Seed Pod Saw) A Cold Hit in Minnesota (Or, the Database in Winter) The First RFLP Case (State of Florida v. Tommy Lee Andrews) INTRODUCTION THE NATURE OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Science and the Law From Identification to Individualization Fingerprints and DNA Conventional Blood Typing THE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Contamination Collection of Evidence Preservation of Evidence Evaluation of Evidence RFLP PCR A SHORT HISTORY OF DNA TYPING THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF DNA TYPING Why DNA? An Introduction to Human Genetics The Physical Basis of Heredity Alleles - Variations on a Theme Population 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 HLA DQa/HLA DQA1 AmpliType® PM - "Polymarker" D1S80 Gender ID Mitochondrial DNA What Kinds of Samples Can Be Analyzed? How Much Sample Do You Need? PROCEDURES FOR FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS Isolation of DNA Chelex Extraction Organic Extraction Differential Extraction Determining Quality and Quantity of DNA RFLP Analysis PCR Amplification Analysis of PCR Product Sequence of Polymorphisms Length Polymorphisms (D1S80, STRs, Gender ID) Automated Analysis Systems SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Determination of Similarity Evaluation of Results Frequency Estimate Calculations Population Substructure INTERPRETATION OF DNA TYPING RESULTS Complicating Factors System Specific Interpretational Issues DNA AND THE DATABASE QUALITY CONTROL AND REGULATION Certification and Accreditation TWGDAM NRC I and II NRC I NRC II Federal DNA Advisory Committee ADMISSIBILITY STANDARDS - SCIENCE ON TRIAL IN THE COURTROOM The Frye Standard and the Federal Rules of Evidence RFLP PCR The State of the Debate EPILOGUE - MOVING INTO THE NEXT MILLENNIUM GLOSSARY APPENDICES DNA - Some Key Phrases Slot Blot Yield Gel Digest Gel Product Gel Chromosomal Location of Some Forensic Loci Sample Frequency Calculation Guidelines for a Quality Assurance Program for DNA Analysis NRC I and NRC II Recommendations State Statutes and Legislation Regarding the Admissibility of DNA Evidence Statutes and Legislation Regarding Mandatory Submission of Blood Samples for DNA Identification Summary of DNA Decisions Reported Court Decisions on Forensic DNA Evidence Amicus Brief Presented to the Supreme Court of the State of California by the California Association of Criminalists Forensic Science Internet Resources INDEX