- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 12 :: Victim Issues
Topic 2 :: DNA Evidence Testing
What Is the Significance of the Results?
It is important to realize that the presence of more than one DNA profile on an evidentiary item must be considered in the context of other evidence and circumstances of the case. For example, if a suspect's DNA profile is obtained from the analysis of a swab from a rape kit, it demonstrates that a sexual act occurred but does not answer the question of consent or the timing of events. The crime laboratory will usually generate a report with an interpretation of the results of DNA analysis, which can sometimes assist in determining the significance of results. For more information on laboratory reporting, see Module 6, Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report.
