An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis / Edition 2

by Norah Rudin, Keith Inman

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780849302336
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/21/2001
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Inman, Keith, MCrim (UC Berkeley); Rudin, Norah, PhD (UC Berkeley)

Table 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.

Editorial Reviews

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 CHOICE

About 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

From the Publisher

At the height of the O. J. frenzy in 1994, California-based criminologists self-published a short pamphlet trying to inform the media about DNA testing and typing. When they realized that mostly lawyers were buying it, they expanded it to include legal aspects. The 1997 first edition of the published volume was expanded again to gather forensic DNA analysts into the readership net. In the second edition, they acknowledge short tandem repeat (STR) typing as the current system of choice, and emphasize the growing importance of DNA databases. General readers should find here a better understanding of the process as well as some technical material they can skip. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Covers the scientific basis for DNA testimony, key terminology, statistical interpretations of DNA typing, and a summary of court decisions and admissibility standards. In language suitable for professionals in the legal system as well as those in the fields of forensics and law enforcement, clarifies general principles of complex techniques, presents general trends in admissibility standards, and emphasizes the advantages and limitations of using DNA techniques for the presentation of evidence in the courtroom. Plastic comb binding. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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