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.

THOMAS F. LIOTTI has represented clients in high-profile cases involving DNA. He is a Village Justice in Westbury, New York, and is currently a partner at the law offices of Thomas F. Liotti, located in Garden City, New York. He is a past president of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Fellow in the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.

JAMEL OESER-SWEAT is a member of both the New York and New Jersey bars and has been admitted to practice before the Patent and Trademark Office. A former Westinghouse scholar, he has published several abstracts and articles in the field of microbiology, and has been a guest lecturer at several universities and conferences.

Because it consists of a number of complex steps and procedures subject to both scientific and legal standards, the collection, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of DNA evidence remains a complex process. Any procedural or documentary misstep can potentially render key evidence or testimony useless. To avoid such costly errors, scientists, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and judges all must possess a detailed knowledge of how forensic DNA works, from the crime scene to the laboratory to the courtroom and beyond.

DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to this important and increasingly prevalent legal tool. Designed to reach readers in both legal and scientific fields, this text gives a global view of the practical issues involved in the forensic use of DNA. In clear, nontechnical language, the text covers:

• A scientific overview of DNA and common DNA tests
• Techniques used by criminalists on the path from crime scene to final laboratory analysis
• Procedures used to analyze biological evidence
• Human genetics, population genetics, and statistics in the context of DNA testing and genetic profiling
• Understanding and interpreting DNA evidence with respect to past and present law
• Concepts and procedures used in challenging or defending DNA evidence
• Postconviction appeals based on analysis of existing DNA evidence, including a discussion of The Innocence Project
• The future of DNA technology with respect to legal evidence gathering and analysis

In a unique combination of legal practice and scientific analysis, DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications provides forensic scientists, potential expert witnesses, and professionals in the criminal justice system with the definitive resource on the methods of DNA analysis as well as the handling, potential, and limitations of DNA evidence.

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.

1.2.1 A Look at DNA from the Outside In.

1.2.2 DNAThe Chemistry.

1.2.3 Unique Sequence and Repetitious DNA.

1.3 DNA Replication.

1.3.1 Replication in the Cell.

1.3.2 Cloning (Gene Amplification).

2. Biological EvidenceScience and Criminal Investigation.

2.1 Crime Scene InvestigationBiological Evidence.

2.1.1 Help the Victim.

2.1.2 Protect the Scene.

2.1.3 Document the Scene.

2.1.4 Search the Scene.

2.1.5 Schematic Drawing Showing Location and Photography of Items of Evidence.

2.1.6 Packaging and Preserving Evidence.

2.1.7 Transport to Laboratory.

2.1.8 Sexual Assault Evidence.

2.1.9 Evidence Handling in the Laboratory.

2.1.10 Report Writing.

2.2 Serology.

2.2.1 Blood.

2.2.2 Semen.

2.2.3 Saliva.

2.2.4 Urine.

2.2.5 Hair.

2.3 Chain of Custody.

3. Forensic DNA Analysis Methods.

3.1 Associative Evidence and Polymorphism.

3.2 Restriction Fragment-Length Polymorphism.

3.2.1 Isolation of DNA.

3.2.2 Quantification.

3.2.3 Restriction Enzymes: DNA Scissors.

3.2.4 Gel Electrophoresis.

3.2.5 Southern Blotting.

3.2.6 Hybridization.

3.2.7 Autoradiography and Visualization of DNA Banding Pattern.

3.2.8 Analysis of RFLP Results.

3.2.9 Probe Stripping from Membrane.

3.2.10 Match Criteria.

3.2.11 Statistics and the Product Rule.

3.3 Polymerase Chain Reaction.

3.3.1 Development and Theory.

3.…