Using Forensic DNA Evidence at Trial A Case Study Approach

Using Forensic DNA Evidence at Trial: A Case Study Approach covers the most common DNA analysis methods used in criminal trials today, including STR techniques, mitochondrial DNA, and Y-STRs. It presents some novel techniques—including familial testing and analyzing domestic animal hair—that have been recently introduced in unique cases, each of which is outlined in detail. It also illustrates special issues related to forensic DNA evidence by using court proceedings such as trials and appeals, commissions of inquiry, and government and laboratory reviews. With forensic DNA analysis becoming increasingly important at trial, the lively and sometimes bizarre cases presented in this book have been carefully chosen to highlight specific concepts, methods, and interpretations used in DNA analysis. Sections throughout examine the nature of expertise with a special focus on the role of subjectivity in the interpretation of forensic DNA evidence, emphasizing cognitive bias and extraneous context. Using both convictions and exonerations as examples, the book also discusses the strengths and limitations of DNA evidence and testing. The book is written in an accessible manner for the non-scientific reader, such that criminal lawyers, judges, and forensic experts will all understand the nature of analysis and application of DNA evidence in a variety of court cases. Extensive references—including notable trial proceedings, cross references of cases, and specific forensic statistics—round out the book and help to provide a complete understanding of forensic DNA analysis and its current usage in the courtroom.

History of DNA Profiling Evidence in the Judicial SystemIntroductionIntroduction of the TechniqueDNA Court Challenges during Initial ImplementationEvidence Collection and Laboratory PracticesChanging TechnologySummaryReferencesContextIntroductionExhibits in ContextContext of TestingAssociation with a Body Fluid/MatterTime of DepositionScientific MethodReferencesTransferIntroductionPrinciples of DNA TransferMechanisms of DNA TransferHigher Levels of TransferTouchFingernail Swabs and CuttingsPackagingExaminationEnvironmental Monitoring and Crime Scene SamplingDNA ‘Dust’Inadvertent Transfer and ContaminationReferencesInterpretation of DNA ProfilesIntroductionSampling: The First StepExtractionQuantificationAmplificationSeparation and InterpretationStatistical EvaluationRelativesDNA DatabasesCold CasesReferencesStatisticsIntroductionStatistical Interpretation and WordingConcept of ‘Uniqueness’Statistical ApproachesSingle Contributor ProfilesMixturesExpert Computer SystemsPopulation DatabasesReferencesLow Template, Low Level or Low Copy Number DNAIntroductionHistoryLow Template, Low Copy Number, Low LevelAmbiguity and Stochastic EffectsDropoutMixturesStatistical ApproachesPerformance TestsOpen-Source versus Closed-Source SoftwareControversyReferencesY-STR Profiling and Mitochondrial DNA TypingIntroductionY-STR ProfilingMitochondrial DNA TypingCombining StatisticsAdvancesReferencesFrontiersIntroductionFamilial DNA SearchingTwinsDomestic Animal HairForensic DNA PhenotypingMini-STRsMicrobial ForensicsBotanyReferencesQualityIntroductionContaminationContinuityTransparencyInterpretationError RateReliability and ValidityReferences

Jane Moira Taupin is an independent forensic science consultant and trainer. She earned her MA in criminology from the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. Her thesis on the impact of DNA profiling was one of the first in the field. She has presented biological expert evidence in courts of law and DNA profiling evidence in court. She has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals on trace evidence, clothing damage and blood pattern analysis. She has also coauthored a text on the forensic examination of clothing and is the author of another on DNA profiling in criminal cases for the legal and forensic communities. She has received several awards in recognition and support of her work from national and international sources.