Subjects:

Evidence

Research into DNA and the development of powerful techniques to produce DNA profiles has now enabled experts to appear in court and give compelling, scientific evidence in many types of cases. DNA profiles can be used in cases beyond murder and rape, and are capable of being produced from everyday items such as cigarette ends and licked envelopes - all that is required is a single cell. It takes the reader through: - the structure of DNA and collection of samples; - blood groups; - how DNA is analysed; - how DNA analysis is used in paternity tests and criminal cases; o the creation of DNA databases; and o the ethical considerations of DNA profiling.

Genetics and DNA Technology is not intended as a textbook of law, but as a resource which can be used to help understand what is done before the results are taken into court. Not only does this book provide the reader with an understanding of the power of DNA profiles, it goes on to dispel the myth that DNA results are infallible - they are on the contrary prone to mistakes and misinterpretations as much as any other complicated science. This thought-provoking book, complete with comprehensive glossary, will help lawyers ask important and probing questions when faced with such evidence in court.