Interpreting Complex Forensic DNA Evidence

Preface – Aims and Scope
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Chapter 1 Complex DNA evidence
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Simple versus complex DNA evidence
1.2 Increased sensitivity
1.3 Increased technology
1.4 Uncertainty
1.4.1 Illusion of scientific certainty
1.4.2 DNA profile ‘match’
1.5 History of exhibit or provenance and context
1.6 Trace DNA
1.7 Conclusion
1.8 References
Chapter 2 Complex DNA profiles
2.0 Introduction
2.1 The derivation of a DNA profile
2.2 How long does it take to obtain a DNA profile?
2.3 DNA profile comparison
2.3.1 Simple single source DNA profiles
2.3.2 The sex marker amelogenin
2.3.3 Autosomal markers
2.3.4 Artifacts
2.3.5 Stutter
2.3.6 Degraded DNA profiles
2.3.7 Inhibited DNA profiles
2.4 DNA mixture profiles
2.4.1 Number of contributors
2.4.2 Complex DNA mixtures
2.5 Low level DNA and partial DNA profiles
2.5.1 Stochastic effects
2.5.2 Repeat analysis
2.6 Dropout
2.7 Dropin
2.8 Complexity threshold
2.9 Enhanced interrogation
2.10 Direct PCR
2.11 Rapid DNA
2.12 References
Chapter 3 Statistical evaluation of complex DNA evidence
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Statistical interpretation and wording
3.2 Errors during analysis
3.3 Errors of interpretation or in conveying the statistical meaning
3.3.1 Transposition of the conditional
3.3.2 Association error
3.4 Statistics – weight of evidence for DNA profiles
3.4.1 Likelihood ratio
3.4.2 Formulation
3.4.3 Framework of propositions
3.4.4 Binary to continuous models
3.5 Probabilistic reasoning
3.5.1 Variability between systems
3.5.2 Variability within the same system
3.5.3 Application to the real world
3.5.4 Specificity
3.5.5 Validation
3.5.6 Open source versus closed source
3.6 Hierarchy of propositions
3.7 Fallacious reasoning
3.7.1 Assumption of independence
3.7.2 Combining multiple pieces of diverse evidence
3.8 References
Chapter 4 Transfer
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Transfer principles
4.2 Trace DNA
4.3 Trace DNA transfer
4.4 Tertiary and higher levels of transfer
4.5 Persistence, prevalence and recovery
4.5.1 Persistence, prevalence and recovery in context
4.5.2 Persistence
4.5.3 Prevalence and ‘background DNA’
4.5.4 Non-self DNA
4.5.5 Detection and recovery
4.6 Skin
4.6.1 Skin DNA
4.6.2 Shedder status
4.7 Hands and fingernails
4.7.1 Hands
4.7.2 Fingernails
4.8 Wearer DNA
4.9 Investigator mediated transfer
4.10 Extrapolating experimental data to casework
4.11 Direct versus indirect transfer estimations
4.12 References
Chapter 5 Integrity
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Documentation
5.2 The scene environment
5.3 Personal protection equipment
5.4 The mortuary
5.5 Packaging, handling and transport
5.6 Crime scene laboratories
5.7 Fingerprint laboratories
5.8 Forensic laboratory examination
5.9 Staff reference samples
5.9.1 Laboratory staff contamination
5.9.2 Police staff contamination
5.10 History
5.10.1 Laundering of clothing and other fabric items
5.11 Controls
5.12 References
Chapter 6 Familial DNA searching
6.0 Introduction
6.1 Searching DNA databases
6.2 Familial DNA searching
6.2.1 Introduction of familial DNA searching
6.2.2 Techniques used
6.3 SNP testing
6.4 Ancestry DNA testing
6.5 Long range or extended familial DNA searching
6.6 Forensic DNA phenotyping and epigenetics
6.7 Rogue DNA databases
6.8 References
Glossary of terms