DNA technology in forensic science / Committee on DNA Technology in Forensic Science, Board on Biology, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council.

Washington, D.C. : National Academy Press, 1992.

xiii, 185 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Originally part of the BIODOC collection. Copy 1. Supplier/Donor: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

1. Introduction. Background. Genetic Basis of DNA Typing. Technological Basis of DNA Typing. Population Genetics Relevant to the Interpretation of DNA Typing. Characteristics of an Optimal Forensic DNA Typing System. References -- 2. DNA Typing: Technical Considerations. Essentials of a Forensic DNA Typing Procedure. Technical Issues in RFLP Analysis. Technical Issues in PCR-Based Methods. National Committee on Forensic DNA Typing. Summary of Recommendations. References -- 3. DNA Typing: Statistical Basis for Interpretation. Estimating the Population Frequency of a DNA Pattern. Determining Allele Frequencies in a Population Databank. Implications of Genetic Correlations among Relatives. Implications of Increased Power of DNA Typing Compared with Conventional Serology. Laboratory Error Rates. Toward a Firm Foundation for Statistical Interpretation. Summary of Recommendations. References -- 4. Ensuring High Standards. Defining the Principles of Quality Assurance. Potential Methods for Ensuring Quality. Quality Assurance in Related Fields. Initial Efforts Toward Establishing Standards in Forensic DNA Typing. A Regulatory Program for DNA Typing. Summary of Recommendations. References -- 5. Forensic DNA Databanks and Privacy of Information. Comparison of DNA Profiles and Latent Fingerprints. Confidentiality and Security. Methodological Standardization. Cost Versus Benefit. Whose Samples Should Be Included? Sample Storage. Information To Be Included and Maintained in a Databank. Rules on Accessibility. Statistical Interpretation of Databank Matches. Status of Databank Development. Model Cooperative Information Resource. Summary of Recommendations. References -- 6. Use of DNA Information in the Legal System. Admissibility. DNA Databanks on Convicted Felons: Legal Aspects. Assessing the Admissibility of Evidence Based on Results of Further Advances in DNA Technology. Suggestions For Use ofDNA Evidence. DNA Evidence and the Various Parties in the Legal System. Testing Laboratories. Protective Orders. Availability and Cost of Experts. Summary of Recommendations. References -- 7. DNA Typing and Society. Economic Aspects. Ethical Aspects. Abuse and Misuse of DNA Information. Expectations. Accountability and Public Scrutiny. International Exchange. Summary of Recommendations. References.

Includes bibliographical references and index.