DNA Technology in Forensic Science: Book

	Summary	1
1	Introduction	27
	Background	27
	Genetic Basis of DNA Typing	32
	Technological Basis of DNA Typing	36
	Population Genetics Relevant to the Interpretation of DNA Typing	44
	Characteristics of an Optimal Forensic DNA Typing System	48
	References	49
2	DNA Typing: Technical Considerations	51
	Essentials of a Forensic DNA Typing Procedure	52
	Technical Issues in RFLP Analysis	56
	Technical Issues in PCR-Based Methods	63
	National Committee on Forensic DNA Typing	70
	Summary of Recommendations	72
	References	73
3	DNA Typing: Statistical Basis for Interpretation	74
	Estimating the Population Frequency of a DNA Pattern	75
	Determining Allele Frequencies in a Population Databank	85
	Implications of Genetic Correlations among Relatives	86
	Implications of Increased Power of DNA Typing Compared with Conventional Serology	88
	Laboratory Error Rates	88
	Toward a Firm Foundation for Statistical Interpretation	89
	Summary of Recommendations	94
	References	95
4	Ensuring High Standards	97
	Defining the Principles of Quality Assurance	98
	Potential Methods for Ensuring Quality	99
	Quality Assurance in Related Fields	101
	Initial Efforts Toward Establishing Standards in Forensic DNA Typing	102
	A Regulatory Program for DNA Typing	104
	Summary of Recommendations	108
	References	109
5	Forensic DNA Databanks and Privacy of Information	111
	Comparison of DNA Profiles and Latent Fingerprints	111
	Confidentiality and Security	113
	Methodological Standardization	116
	Cost Versus Benefit	117
	Whose Samples Should Be Included?	118
	Sample Storage	122
	Information To Be Included and Maintained in a Databank	122
	Rules on Accessibility	123
	Statistical Interpretation of Databank Matches	124
	Status of Databank Development	124
	Model Cooperative Information Resource	126
	Summary of Recommendations	128
	References	129
6	Use of DNA Information in the Legal System	131
	Admissibility	132
	DNA Databanks on Convicted Felons: Legal Aspects	142
	Assessing the Admissibility of Evidence Based on Results of Further Advances in DNA Technology	143
	Suggestions For Use ofDNA Evidence	145
	DNA Evidence and the Various Parties in the Legal System	146
	Testing Laboratories	148
	Protective Orders	148
	Availability and Cost of Experts	148
	Summary of Recommendations	149
	References	150
7	DNA Typing and Society	152
	Economic Aspects	153
	Ethical Aspects	154
	Abuse and Misuse of DNA Information	158
	Expectations	160
	Accountability and Public Scrutiny	162
	International Exchange	162
	Summary of Recommendations	163
	References	163
	Organizational Abbreviations	165
	Glossary	167
	Biographical Information on Committee Members	173
	Participants	179
	Index	179