Misleading Dna Evidence

Author : Peter Gill
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 100 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2014-06-01
Category : Law
ISBN : 0124172148

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Misleading DNA Evidence by Peter Gill Pdf

DNA has become the gold standard by which a person can be placed at the scene of a crime, and the past decade has seen great advances in this powerful crime solving tool. But the statistics that analysts can attach to DNA evidence often vary, and in some cases the statistical weight assigned to that match, can vary enormously. The numbers provided to juries often overstate the evidence, and can result in a wrongful conviction. In addition to statistics, the way the evidence is collected, stored and analyzed can also result in a wrongful conviction due to contamination. This book reviews high-profile and somewhat contentious cases to illustrate these points, including the death of Meredith Kercher. It examines crucial topics such as characterization of errors and determination of error rates, reporting DNA profiles and the source and sub-source levels, and the essentials of statement writing. It is a concise, readable resource that will help not only scientists, but legal professionals with limited scientific backgrounds, to understand the intricacies of DNA use in the justice system.

Author : Peter Gill
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 195 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 2014-06-18
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780124172203

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Misleading DNA Evidence by Peter Gill Pdf

Misleading DNA Evidence: A Guide for Scientists, Judges, and Lawyers presents the reasons miscarriages of justice can occur when dealing with DNA, what the role of the forensic scientist is throughout the process, and how judges and lawyers can educate themselves about all of the possibilities to consider when dealing with cases that involve DNA evidence. DNA has become the gold standard by which a person can be placed at the scene of a crime, and the past decade has seen great advances in this powerful crime solving tool. But the statistics that analysts can attach to DNA evidence often vary, and in some cases the statistical weight assigned to that match, can vary enormously. The numbers provided to juries often overstate the evidence, and can result in a wrongful conviction. In addition to statistics, the way the evidence is collected, stored and analyzed can also result in a wrongful conviction due to contamination. This book reviews high-profile and somewhat contentious cases to illustrate these points, including the death of Meredith Kercher. It examines crucial topics such as characterization of errors and determination of error rates, reporting DNA profiles and the source and sub-source levels, and the essentials of statement writing. It is a concise, readable resource that will help not only scientists, but legal professionals with limited scientific backgrounds, to understand the intricacies of DNA use in the justice system. Ideal reference for scientists and for those without extensive scientific backgrounds Written by one of the pioneers in forensic DNA typing and interpretation of DNA profiling results Ideal format for travel, court environments, or wherever easy access to reference material is vital

Author : National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Life Sciences,Committee on DNA Forensic Science: An Update
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 271 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 1997-01-12
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309121941

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The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence by National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Life Sciences,Committee on DNA Forensic Science: An Update Pdf

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.

Author : Cecilia Jennings
Publisher : Greenhaven Publishing LLC
Page : 106 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2017-12-15
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 9781534561755

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DNA Evidence by Cecilia Jennings Pdf

One of the greatest scientific breakthroughs ever for law enforcement agencies was the discovery of DNA analysis. This relatively new science allows police to catch a criminal from evidence as small as a human hair. Informative text gives readers a basic understanding of DNA and how forensic analysts can examine criminal evidence and create a genetic chain that leads to the perpetrator. This complex topic is made easy to understand through engaging fact boxes and informative sidebars, and the science is brought into sharp focus through eye-catching photographs.

Author : T.R. Thomas
Publisher : Saddleback Educational Publishing
Page : 64 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2010-01-01
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 9781602917644

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DNA Evidence by T.R. Thomas Pdf

Bursting with facts, these books will truly enthrall struggling readers. Nonfiction titles cover high-interest topics both creepy and utterly terrifying. Each title is thoroughly researched and includes an introduction, five chapters, an epilogue, glossary, and index. On-the-scene photography captures students' imagination and spurs further reading. These are books that struggling readers will not put down! What is DNA evidence? How is it collected? Can DNA evidence solve crimes? These topics are explored in five high-interest chapters including those convicted and then exonerated because of new DNA technology.

Author : National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Life Sciences,Committee on DNA Technology in Forensic Science
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 199 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 1992-02-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309045872

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DNA Technology in Forensic Science by National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Life Sciences,Committee on DNA Technology in Forensic Science Pdf

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.

Author : David E. Newton
Publisher : Infobase Publishing
Page : 273 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Law
ISBN : 9781438100197

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DNA Evidence and Forensic Science by David E. Newton Pdf

Provides an overview, chronology of events, glossary and annotated bibliography for forensic science and DNA evidence.

Author : David J. Balding,Christopher D. Steele
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 232 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2015-07-20
Category : Mathematics
ISBN : 9781118814550

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Weight-of-Evidence for Forensic DNA Profiles by David J. Balding,Christopher D. Steele Pdf

DNA evidence is widely used in the modern justice system. Statistical methodology plays a key role in ensuring that this evidence is collected, interpreted, analysed and presented correctly. This book is a guide to assessing DNA evidence and presenting that evidence in a courtroom setting. It offers practical guidance to forensic scientists with little dependence on mathematical ability, and provides the scientist with the understanding they require to apply the methods in their work. Since the publication of the first edition of this book in 2005 there have been many incremental changes, and one dramatic change which is the emergence of low template DNA (LTDNA) profiles. This second edition is edited and expanded to cover the basics of LTDNA technology. The author's own open-source R code likeLTD is described and used for worked examples in the book. Commercial and free software are also covered.

Author : Peggy J. Parks
Publisher : Referencepoint Press
Page : 104 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : PSU:000066827658

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DNA Evidence and Investigation by Peggy J. Parks Pdf

DNA is a powerful law enforcement tool that is used to solve a wide variety of crimes. Through objective overviews, primary sources, and full-color illustrations this title examines, How Conclusive Is DNA Evidence in Solving Crimes? How Effective Is DNA Testing for Correcting Justice System Errors? Should Prisoners Have a Right to DNA Testing? and Do Law Enforcement DNA Databases Threaten Civil Liberties?

Author : Erin E Murphy
Publisher : Hachette UK
Page : 400 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2015-10-06
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781568584706

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Inside the Cell by Erin E Murphy Pdf

Josiah Sutton was convicted of rape. He was five inches shorter and 65 pounds lighter than the suspect described by the victim, but at trial a lab analyst testified that his DNA was found at the crime scene. His case looked like many others -- arrest, swab, match, conviction. But there was just one problem -- Sutton was innocent. We think of DNA forensics as an infallible science that catches the bad guys and exonerates the innocent. But when the science goes rogue, it can lead to a gross miscarriage of justice. Erin Murphy exposes the dark side of forensic DNA testing: crime labs that receive little oversight and produce inconsistent results; prosecutors who push to test smaller and poorer-quality samples, inviting error and bias; law-enforcement officers who compile massive, unregulated, and racially skewed DNA databases; and industry lobbyists who push policies of "stop and spit." DNA testing is rightly seen as a transformative technological breakthrough, but we should be wary of placing such a powerful weapon in the hands of the same broken criminal justice system that has produced mass incarceration, privileged government interests over personal privacy, and all too often enforced the law in a biased or unjust manner. Inside the Cell exposes the truth about forensic DNA, and shows us what it will take to harness the power of genetic identification in service of accuracy and fairness.

Author : United States. Congress. Office of Technology Assessment
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 216 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 1990
Category : Criminal investigation
ISBN : UOM:39015019407538

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Genetic Witness by United States. Congress. Office of Technology Assessment Pdf

Author : Edward F. Connors
Publisher : DIANE Publishing
Page : 119 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 1996
Category : Criminal investigation
ISBN : 9780788131257

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Convicted by Juries, Exonerated by Science by Edward F. Connors Pdf

The development of DNA technology furthers the search for truth by helping police & prosecutors in the fight against violent crime. Most of the individuals whose stories are told in the report were convicted after jury trials & were sentenced to long prison terms. They successfully challenged their convictions, using DNA tests on existing evidence. They had served, on average, seven years in prison. By highlighting the importance & utility of DNA evidence, this report presents challenges to the scientific & justice communities. A task ahead is to maintain the highest standards for the collection & preservation of DNA evidence.

Author : Henry Lee,Frank Tirnady
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 456 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2003-04-17
Category : Law
ISBN : UOM:39015060646026

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Blood Evidence by Henry Lee,Frank Tirnady Pdf

A startling look at how breakthroughs in DNA testing are having a tumultuous impact on criminal investigations. Written specifically for a lay audience, "Blood Evidence" is the first trade book to explore the complexities of DNA testing and the effect it has had on justice systems worldwide.

Author : Brandon L. Garrett
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 376 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2011-08-04
Category : Art
ISBN : 9780674060982

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Convicting the Innocent by Brandon L. Garrett Pdf

On January 20, 1984, Earl Washington—defended for all of forty minutes by a lawyer who had never tried a death penalty case—was found guilty of rape and murder in the state of Virginia and sentenced to death. After nine years on death row, DNA testing cast doubt on his conviction and saved his life. However, he spent another eight years in prison before more sophisticated DNA technology proved his innocence and convicted the guilty man. DNA exonerations have shattered confidence in the criminal justice system by exposing how often we have convicted the innocent and let the guilty walk free. In this unsettling in-depth analysis, Brandon Garrett examines what went wrong in the cases of the first 250 wrongfully convicted people to be exonerated by DNA testing. Based on trial transcripts, Garrett’s investigation into the causes of wrongful convictions reveals larger patterns of incompetence, abuse, and error. Evidence corrupted by suggestive eyewitness procedures, coercive interrogations, unsound and unreliable forensics, shoddy investigative practices, cognitive bias, and poor lawyering illustrates the weaknesses built into our current criminal justice system. Garrett proposes practical reforms that rely more on documented, recorded, and audited evidence, and less on fallible human memory. Very few crimes committed in the United States involve biological evidence that can be tested using DNA. How many unjust convictions are there that we will never discover? Convicting the Innocent makes a powerful case for systemic reforms to improve the accuracy of all criminal cases.

Author : David J. Balding
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 198 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2005-04-08
Category : Mathematics
ISBN : 9780470867662

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Weight-of-Evidence for Forensic DNA Profiles by David J. Balding Pdf

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.