ABSTRACT

Giving the reader an in-depth understanding of DNA evidence in criminal practice, this text explains in clear language how DNA evidence is obtained and how it can be successfully challenged in court to minimize its impact or even dismiss it completely.

Since it first entered the criminal legal practice DNA has become an indispensable tool in fighting crime, as it allows both unambiguous identification of the criminal by traces of biological material left at the crime scene as well as acquitting innocent suspects.

This book:

  • outlines the various types of testing used to obtain DNA evidence
  • highlights the weaknesses of DNA testing, presenting and discussing defence strategies for refuting DNA evidence
  • shows how DNA should be treated as just another piece of evidence and how on its own it is often not enough to convict someone of a particular crime.

This book is essential reading for students and practitioners of criminal law and practice and forensic science and law.

 

chapter 1|20 pages

Introduction to criminal DNA analysis

chapter 2|30 pages

Forensic DNA testing

chapter 4|11 pages

Criminal DNA databases

chapter 5|13 pages

The pitfalls of DNA testing

chapter 6|6 pages

DNA testing errors

chapter 7|16 pages

DNA evidence interpretation errors

chapter 8|16 pages

DNA evidence during trial

chapter 9|14 pages

Challenging DNA evidence in the courtroom

chapter 10|2 pages

Post-convictional DNA testing

chapter 11|5 pages

Ethical aspects of DNA testing