- 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 3 :: Practical Issues
Topic 2 :: Initial Considerations in Laboratory Protocol
Probative Evidence (cont.)
The best evidence occurs when a victim's or suspect's DNA is found where it is not supposed to be or where information does not support contact having ever occurred between the victim and suspect.
Example: A breaking and entering occurred in a residential area; near the point of forced entry, a knit cap was found. The homeowners confirmed the knit cap was not theirs. No perspiration or other cellular transfer was found along the inside rim of the cap, which appeared new. However, several head hairs were recovered from inside. One of the hairs had a root with tissue attached and a DNA profile was obtained. This DNA profile may be used to identify the perpetrator.
