Dealing with DNA Evidence: A Legal Guide / Edition 1

by Andrei Semikhodskii

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781845680497
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/25/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Andrei Semikhodskii is Director of Medical Genomics Ltd.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Criminal DNA Analysis. Forensic DNA Testing. Interpretation and Statistical Evaluation of DNA Evidence. Criminal DNA Databases. Pitfalls of DNA Testing. DNA Testing Errors. DNA Evidence Interpretation Errors. DNA Evidence During Trial. Challenging DNA Evidence in the Courtroom. Post-Convictional DNA Testing. Ethical Aspects of DNA Testing

Editorial Reviews

'... a unique sourcebook for twenty-first century advocacy which no professional criminal justice manager should be without today.' - Phillip Taylor MBE, Richmond Green Chambers

From the Publisher