2nd Edition

An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis

By Norah Rudin, Keith Inman Copyright 2002
344 Pages 18 Color & 78 B/W Illustrations
by CRC Press

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... Read more
Introduction
The Nature of Physical Evidence
Science and the Law
Principles and Processes of Criminalistics
Fingerprints and DNA
Conventional Blood Typing

The Collection and Preservation of Physical Evidence
Extraneous Substances
Collection of Evidence
Preservation of Evidence
Evaluation of Evidence

A Short History of DNA Typing

The Scientific Basis of DNA Typing
Why DNA?
An Introduction to Human 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
What Kinds of Samples Can be Analyzed?
How Much Sample Do You Need?

Procedures for Forensic DNA Analysis
Isolation of DNA
Determining Quality and Quantity of DNA
RFLP Analysis
PCR Amplification
Analysis of PCR Product
Automated Analysis Systems

Interpretation of DNA Typing Results
Complicating Factors
System Specific Interpretational Issues
Summary of DNA Interpretation Issues

Assessing the Strength of the Evidence
Determination of Genetic Concordance
Evaluation of Results
Frequency Estimate Calculations
Population Substructure
Likelihood Ratios
When is a DNA Profile Unique?

The DNA Databank
Premise of a Databank
The Difference between a Databank and a Database
Elements of a Successful Databank
Summary

Quality Assurance
Certification and Accreditation
SWDAM (formerly TWGDAM)
NRC I and II
Federal DNA Advisory Board

Admissibility Standards - Science on Trial in the Courtroom
Frye, Daubert, and the Federal Rules of Evidence
DNA - Some Landmark Cases
The State of the Debate

Epilogue
Glossary
Appendices

Biography

Norah Rudin, Keith Inman

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