Includes a Foreword by Dr. James D. Watson, the co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, and Dr. Jan A. Witkowski."From the Foreword by Drs. Watson and Witkowski: 'DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications is a comprehensive and invaluable guide to the field, covering topics ranging from collecting samples in the field to presenting the complex results to a jury. We are sure that it will play its part in promoting this most powerful tool in the forensic scientist's armamentarium.'"DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications covers the technology and laws related to DNA, as well as the use of DNA evidence in the legal system. This combination of science and law makes it the first comprehensive title of its kind and an appropriate reference for those with both elementary and advanced knowledge of the topic. It draws together in one source information that would previously have required extensive research and reliance on experts to obtain, offering both breadth and depth in a clear style without s acrificing scholarly goals.With material from both scientific and legal areas, DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications covers the latest advances in technology. It provides an ideal text for forensic scientists and students of forensic science, analytical chemists, lawyers, judges, police officers, and detectives.

Foreword.Preface.Acknowledgements.1. Biochemistry, Genetics, and Replication of DNA.1.1 Evolution of Identification: From Faces to Fingerprints to DNA.1.2 DNA and Heredity.1.3 DNA Replication.2. Biological Evidence--Science and Criminal Investigation.2.1 Crime Scene Investigation--Biological Evidence.2.2 Serology.2.3 Chain of Custody.3. Forensic DNA Analysis Methods.3.1 Associative Evidence and Polymorphism.3.2 Restriction Fragment-Length Polymorphism.3.3 Polymerase Chain Reaction.3.4 Analysis of Y-Chromosome STRS.3.5 Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA.3.6 Problems with PCR.3.7 Underlying Facts and Assumptions in Forensic DNA Testing.4. Genetics, Statistics, and Databases.4.1 Human Genetics, Population Genetics, and Statistics.4.2 Population Genetics.4.3 Need for Quality Control and Quality Assurance.4.4 SWGDAM (Formerly Known as TWGDAM) Standards.4.5 DNA Advisory Board.4.6 Mitochondrial DNA and Y-Chromosome STR Analysis and Statistical Calculations.4.7 Experimental Controls.4.8 Validation of New DNA Methods.4.9 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis.4.10 Database Size and Composition.4.11 DNA Databases.4.12 Power of Discrimination.4.13 Mixtures and Statistics.4.14 Probability of Exclusion.4.15 Likelihood Ratio (LR).4.16 Paternity Determinations.4.17 Lab Accreditation, Certification, Reputation, and Facilities.4.18 Reviewing a DNA Report--A Sample RFLP Analysis.4.19 Reviewing a DNA Report--A PCR-Based DNA Examination (HLADQA1, PM, D1S80, and CTT-CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1).4.20 Reviewing a DNA Report--A PCR-STR-Based DNA Examination (CODIS Loci).4.21 Reviewing a Paternity Report Based on Analysis of DNA.5. Litigating a DNA Case.5.1 Legal Theory.5.2 Admissibility of DNA Evidence.5.3 Legal Practice.5.4 DNA for Defense Attorneys--Contesting DNA Evidence.5.5 DNA for Prosecutors.5.6 DNA for Judges.6. DNA Evidence at Trial.6.1 Attacking and Defending DNA Evidence.6.2 DNA for the Prosecutor or Those Who Seek to Admit DNA Evidence.6.3 DNA for the Defense or Those Who Seek to Mitigate the Effect of DNA Evidence.7. Exonerating the Innocent through DNA.7.1 Postconviction Appeals Based upon DNA Evidence.7.2 Postconviction DNA Testing: Recommendations for Handling Requests.7.3 Legal Standards Governing Postconviction Testing.7.4 Postconviction DNA Testing Statutes.7.5 Preventing Postconviction DNA Testing through Waiver.7.6 The Future of DNA Technology.Appendix A: Bibliography: Selected by Topic Area.Appendix B: Cases Involving the Admissibility of DNA Evidence.Appendix C: Information Pertinent to Attempts to Overturn Convictions Based Upon DNA Evidence.Appendix D: Offenses in New York State Resulting in Mandatory DNA Testing for Database Inclusion.Appendix E: Postconviction DNA Testing, Preservation of Evidence and Compensation for Wrongful Convictions: Relevant Legislative Information.Appendix F: Items Obtained through Discovery.Appendix G: Glossary.Index.