by Roland AH van Oorschot etal. Investigative Genetics (2010). In a very accessible way, this article describes issues associated with what is often called “touch DNA.” Topics covered include evidence collection, DNA extraction, amplification, profiling and interpretation of trace DNA samples.
DNA
DNA Evidence Can Be Fabricated, Scientists Show
National Academy of Sciences Report
See pp. 128-133 for the National Research Counsel’s description of the forensic use of Deoxyribonucleic acid
The Potential for Error in Forensic DNA Testing (and How That Complicates the Use of DNA Databases for Criminal Identification
by William C. Thompson, for the Council for Responsible Genetics (2008) – discusses how false incriminations can occur in forensic DNA testing, including coincidental DNA profile matches, accidental transfer of DNA, errors in labeling of samples, and misinterpretation of test results.
Can DNA Evidence Be Too Convincing? An Acquitted Man Thinks So (NY)
Louisiana State Police Crime Lab Considers Controversial Familial DNA Tool
DNA Ruling In 1999 D.C. Slaying Could Set Precedent
John M. Butler, Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers (2d ed.)
Communicating Statistical DNA Evidence
by Samuel Lindsey etal. Jurimetrics 43 (2003). This article presents what DNA analyses can and cannot reveal and a way to improve judges’ and jurors’ understanding of evidence involving probabilities and statistics.
Application of Low Copy Number DNA Profiling
Article by Peter Gill, Croatian Medical Journal (2001). Describes considerations that must be taken into account with Low Copy number (LCN) DNA, including allele dropout and the possibility of contamination. Low Copy number DNA analysis allows a DNA profile to be obtained from just a few cells.