Before the beginning: Fundamental precursors to understanding forensic DNA evidence (Christine Funk, Minnesota Board of Public Defense Trial Team)

The first item a lawyer sees in a DNA case is typically the lab report. The report generally states what samples were tested, what type of DNA test was performed, and which samples could (and could not) have a common source. Reports generally also provide a "table of alleles" showing the DNA profile of each sample. The DNA profile is a list of the alleles (genetic markers) found at a number of loci (plural for "locus," a position) within the human genome. To understand DNA evidence, you must first understand the table of alleles.

Materials

Presentation 1: Before the beginning

Presentation 2: Taking the next step

W Thompson, S Ford, T Doom, M Raymer, and D Krane. Evaluating forensic DNA evidence: Essential elements of a competent defense review. Part 1. The Champion, 27(3):16-25, April 2003.

W Thompson, S Ford, T Doom, M Raymer, and D Krane. Evaluating forensic DNA evidence: Essential elements of a competent defense review. Part 2. The Champion, 27(4):24-28, May 2003.