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Acknowledgments | |
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Introduction | |
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The Structure of DNA and the Variability of the Human DNA Sequence | |
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You Are Out of Your Field, But Not Out of Your Depth | |
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Markers, Alleles, Genotypes and Profiles | |
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The Two Sources of DNA in Human Cells | |
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The Structure of DNA and RNA | |
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Variability Is the Rule, Not the Exception | |
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Polymorphisms Commonly Used for Forensic Testing | |
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Using the DNA Profile to Identify an Unknown Perpetrator | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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The Molecular Biological Basis of Forensic DNA Tests | |
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Extraction and Quantification of DNA | |
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Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Based Tests | |
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Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Testing | |
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Direct Sequencing | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Sources of Uncertainty in the Data | |
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Laboratory Accreditation, Personnel Certification and Proficiency Testing | |
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Validation Studies | |
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The Inevitable Nemeses: Suboptimal Samples and Human Error | |
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Allele Dropout Due to Degradation, Preferential Amplification and Stochastic Effects | |
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Artifacts Inherent in STR Analyses | |
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Hybridization Specificity in Dot-Blot Tests | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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Population Genetics, Probability Calculations and the Proper Interpretation of the Evidence | |
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The Common Logical Fallacies | |
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Databanks and Databases | |
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Allele Frequencies, Genotype Probabilities and the Product Rule for Independent Events | |
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The Principles of Population Genetics that Impact Forensic DNA Calculations | |
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Applying the Product Rule-Compensating for Population Substructure and Possible Allele Dropout | |
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The Likelihood Ratio (LR) Allows the Analyst to Compare the Strength of Competing Hypotheses | |
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The Application of Bayes' Theorem to Paternity Disputes | |
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Recommended Procedure for Analyzing Mixed Samples | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analyses | |
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The mtDNA Molecule-Abundant and Durable but Less Variable than nDNA | |
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Laboratory Analysis of mtDNA Haplotypes | |
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Matrilineal Inheritance and a Lack of Recombination | |
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A High Mutation Rate Leads to Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy | |
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Statistical Analysis of mtDNA Haplotype Data | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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Y Chromosome Analyses | |
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Y Chromosome Evolution and its Consequences for Forensic Analyses | |
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Laboratory Analysis of Y Chromosome Haplotypes | |
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Statistical Analysis of Y Chromosome Haplotypes | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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DNA in Court | |
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The Evolution of Standards for Admissibility of Experts and Evidence | |
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The Ongoing Controversy Regarding Laboratory Error Rates | |
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Counsels' Obligations Regarding Discovery | |
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Expert Witnesses | |
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The Durability of DNA Presents Problems for Statutes of Limitation | |
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Rape Shield Laws May Limit the Use of DNA Evidence | |
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Judges' and Jurors' Perceptions of DNA Evidence | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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Arguing for the Prosecution | |
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Obtaining DNA Samples | |
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DNA in the Courtroom: The Essentials of the Prosecution's Presentation | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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Arguing for the Defense | |
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The Defense's Choice of Strategy | |
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Elements of a Competent Defense | |
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When the Defendant Has Been Identified by a Databank Search | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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Postconviction DNA Testing | |
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DNA has the Power to Exonerate the Innocent | |
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Avenues for Relief | |
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There Are Many Procedural Obstacles | |
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New Evidence May Justify a New Theory of the Case | |
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Accessing the Necessary Samples | |
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Know the Specific Provisions of the Controlling Statute | |
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References and Additional Readings | |
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Using the Chi-Square Test to Determine if a Population Conforms to HWE Expectations | |
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How the RMP, Prior Odds of Guilt, and the PFP Influence the Posterior Odds of Guilt (POG) | |
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Paternity Index (PI) Calculations for Different Combinations of Maternal, Child and Alleged Father Genotypes | |
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A Sample Consent Form to Collect an Oral Swab, Which Allows the Profile Obtained to Be Entered Into a Databank for Use in Additional Investigations | |
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Doing Your Own Research: Useful References, Websites and Strategies for Finding Current Information | |
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Glossary of Key Terms | |
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Index | |