- 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 7 :: Statistics
Topic 4 :: Interpreting Mixtures
Reporting a Mixture Without a Statistical Interpretation
In Coy , the laboratory identified a DNA mixture on a doorknob and a knife that could have come from both the victim and the suspect; however, no statistical estimates were provided for the sample.
The court held the following: "We find the instant evidence of a potential match between the defendant's DNA and the mixed samples to possess minimal probative value absent accompanying interpretive statistical analysis evidence...The significant possibility exists that the jury might have attributed the potential DNA match preemptive or undue weight, thus unfairly prejudicing defendant."
