An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis (Hardcover, 2)

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