An Introduction To Forensic Genetics For Non Geneticists

This book aims to enable non-experts in Genetics to understand the contribution of this science to resolve civil or criminal litigations, analysing evidence of human and non-human origins. The main difficulties in the comprehension and misuse of the results of Forensic Genetics reside in the lack of effective communication between geneticists and the users of the produced information (as lawyers and judges) and do not arise primarily from the lack of knowledge of genetics. Therefore, instead of a classical handbook we use a question-and-answer approach, which meets this interfacial essence. Questions that can be addressed by genetic expertise are typified and for each of them we provide the possible expert report, presenting the essential biological and statistical genetics background in the form of boxes/appendices, along with exemplary cases. Legal, ethical, and theoretical limitations of Forensic Genetics are discussed, formulating questions that cannot, or should not, be addressed by this applied science.

"We provide non-experts a correct understanding of the forensic genetic reports for a wide range of problems, including both human and non-human analyses. The book adopts a problem/example-based approach, the genetics and statistical background being presented in as appendices to each chapter. These examples will cover the various types of legal issues and corresponding genetic approaches to their solution, from the 'classical' ones, using human DNA, as paternity cases, to those using non-human material sources of evidence, from criminalistics (silent witnesses) to food mislabeling and wildlife protection. A separate section is dedicated to the recent developments and potential applications and the legal and ethical problems involved"--

This book aims to enable non-experts in Genetics to understand the contribution of this science to resolve civil or criminal litigations, analysing evidence of human and non-human origins. The main difficulties in the comprehension and misuse of the results of Forensic Genetics reside in the lack of effective communication between geneticists and the users of the produced information (as lawyers and judges) and do not arise primarily from the lack of knowledge of genetics. Therefore, instead of a classical handbook we use a question-and-answer approach, which meets this interfacial essence. Questions that can be addressed by genetic expertise are typified and for each of them we provide the possible expert report, presenting the essential biological and statistical genetics background in the form of boxes/appendices, along with exemplary cases. Legal, ethical, and theoretical limitations of Forensic Genetics are discussed, formulating questions that cannot, or should not, be addressed by this applied science.

This is a completely revised edition of a comprehensive and popular introduction to the fast moving area of Forensic Genetics. The text begins with key concepts needed to fully appreciate the subject and moves on to examine the latest developments in the field. Now illustrated in full colour throughout, this accessible textbook includes numerous references to relevant casework. With information on the full process of DNA evidence from collection at the scene of a crime to presentation in a legal context this book provides a complete overview of the field. Key Features: Greater in-depth coverage of kinship problems now covered in two separate chapters: one dealing with relationships between living individuals and the other covering identification of human remains. New chapter on non-human forensic genetics, including identification of bacteria and viruses, animals and plants. Self assessment questions to aid student understanding throughout the text. Now with full colour illustrations throughout New companion website Accessible introduction to forensic genetics, from the collection of evidence to the presentation of evidence in a legal context. Included in the Forensic Science Society 'Essentials in Forensic Science' book series. This edition is to be included in the Forensic Science Society 'Essentials of Forensic Science' book series aimed at advanced level undergraduates and new practitioners to the field.

An Introduction to Forensic Genetics is a comprehensive introduction to this fast moving area from the collection of evidence at the scene of a crime to the presentation of that evidence in a legal context. The last few years have seen significant advances in the subject and the development and application of genetics has revolutionised forensic science. This book begins with the key concepts needed to fully appreciate the subject and moves on to examine the latest developments in the field, illustrated throughout with references to relevant casework. In addition to the technology involved in generating a DNA profile, the underlying population biology and statistical interpretation are also covered. The evaluation and presentation of DNA evidence in court is discussed as well with guidance on the evaluation process and how court reports and statements should be presented. An accessible introduction to Forensic Genetics from the collection of evidence to the presentation of that evidence in a legal context Includes case studies to enhance student understanding Includes the latest developments in the field focusing on the technology used today and that which is likely to be used in the future Accessible treatment of population biology and statistics associated with forensic evidence This book offers undergraduate students of Forensic Science an accessible approach to the subject that will have direct relevance to their courses. An Introduction to Forensic Genetics is also an invaluable resource for postgraduates and practising forensic scientists looking for a good introduction to the field.

Assessing Weight-of-Evidence for DNA Profiles is an excellent introductory text to the use of statistical analysis for assessing DNA evidence. It offers practical guidance to forensic scientists with little dependence on mathematical ability as the book includes background information on statistics – including likelihood ratios – population genetics, and courtroom issues. The author, who is highly experienced in this field, has illustrated the book throughout with his own experiences as well as providing a theoretical underpinning to the subject. It is an ideal choice for forensic scientists and lawyers, as well as statisticians and population geneticists with an interest in forensic science and DNA.

Matching DNA samples from crime scenes and suspects is rapidly becoming a key source of evidence for use in our justice system. DNA Technology in Forensic Science offers recommendations for resolving crucial questions that are emerging as DNA typing becomes more widespread. The volume addresses key issues: Quality and reliability in DNA typing, including the introduction of new technologies, problems of standardization, and approaches to certification. DNA typing in the courtroom, including issues of population genetics, levels of understanding among judges and juries, and admissibility. Societal issues, such as privacy of DNA data, storage of samples and data, and the rights of defendants to quality testing technology. Combining this original volume with the new update-The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence-provides the complete, up-to-date picture of this highly important and visible topic. This volume offers important guidance to anyone working with this emerging law enforcement tool: policymakers, specialists in criminal law, forensic scientists, geneticists, researchers, faculty, and students.

In 1992 the National Research Council issued DNA Technology in Forensic Science, a book that documented the state of the art in this emerging field. Recently, this volume was brought to worldwide attention in the murder trial of celebrity O. J. Simpson. The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence reports on developments in population genetics and statistics since the original volume was published. The committee comments on statements in the original book that proved controversial or that have been misapplied in the courts. This volume offers recommendations for handling DNA samples, performing calculations, and other aspects of using DNA as a forensic toolâ€"modifying some recommendations presented in the 1992 volume. The update addresses two major areas: Determination of DNA profiles. The committee considers how laboratory errors (particularly false matches) can arise, how errors might be reduced, and how to take into account the fact that the error rate can never be reduced to zero. Interpretation of a finding that the DNA profile of a suspect or victim matches the evidence DNA. The committee addresses controversies in population genetics, exploring the problems that arise from the mixture of groups and subgroups in the American population and how this substructure can be accounted for in calculating frequencies. This volume examines statistical issues in interpreting frequencies as probabilities, including adjustments when a suspect is found through a database search. The committee includes a detailed discussion of what its recommendations would mean in the courtroom, with numerous case citations. By resolving several remaining issues in the evaluation of this increasingly important area of forensic evidence, this technical update will be important to forensic scientists and population geneticistsâ€"and helpful to attorneys, judges, and others who need to understand DNA and the law. Anyone working in laboratories and in the courts or anyone studying this issue should own this book.