Genetic Testimony

Introduction.


Questions About DNA Profiling Methods.


What Is the Biological Basis for Forensic DNA Profiling? What Methods Are Used in Forensic DNA Profiling and How Do They Work? Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTR) Methods. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Based Methods.



Questions About Interpreting DNA Profiles.


Why are DNA Profiles Interpreted in Terms of Probabilities? How Are DNA Profile Probabilities Calculated and Presented? Is a Person's DNA Profile Unique? If a Defendant's Profile Matches That of the Crime Scene Sample, Does That Prove the Defendant's Guilt?



Questions About the Use of Forensic DNA Profiling.


What Sort of Crime Evidence Is Suitable for DNA Analysis? What Are the Uses of Forensic DNA Profiling? What Are the Advantages of DNA Evidence Over Other Types of Biological Forensic Evidence? How Reliable is DNA Profile Technology? What Are the Main Problems with Forensic DNA Profiling?



Questions About the Use, Collection, and Storage of DNA Profiles.


How Many Profiles Are in the CODIS Databanks? Whose DNA Profile Should Be Included in DNA Databases? After Profiling and Electronic Storage of the Profile, Should the Tissue Sample Be Retained or Destroyed? Can Personal or Medical Information Be Obtained from DNA Profiles?



Questions About DNA Profiling and the Criminal Justice System.


How Can DNA Evidence Exonerate Those Who Are Wrongly Convicted? Why Are Innocent People Convicted of Violent Crimes and Then Exonerated? Is It Possible for an Innocent Person to Be Convicted Based on DNA Evidence? How Is DNA Evidence Changing the American Criminal Justice System?



Boxes.


The Colin Pitchfork Story. The Polymerase Chain Reaction. Forensic DNA Databases. DNA Profiling Identifies September 11 Victims. DNA Identifies Victims of Srebrenica Massacre. Polish Dragnet Apprehends Serial Rapist. The O.J. Simpson Story. The Sotolusson Story. The Earl Washington Story. The Marvin Anderson Story.