INTERPRETING COMPLEX FORENSIC DNA EVIDENCE (PB 2021) Paperback

Interpreting Complex Forensic DNA Evidence serves as a concise and practical guide to the latest developments and ongoing challenges in analyzing complex DNA profiles within criminal investigations. In many instances, DNA cannot be definitively linked to a specific biological source such as blood, saliva, or semen, and questions often arise about the timing and method of deposition. The ability to recover DNA from touched surfaces, even without visible biological material, has significantly broadened the scope of forensic analysis and increased the number of items submitted for testing. Advancements in testing technologies now allow for the detection of extremely small quantities of DNA. As a result, there is a growing focus on interpreting low-quality or low-quantity samples that fall below the optimal thresholds defined by standard testing kits. Laboratories frequently use amplification techniques to generate readable profiles from such challenging samples. These technological strides have ushered in a new era of complex DNA profiles—ranging from partial profiles that may not accurately reflect the source, to mixtures containing DNA from multiple contributors. To manage this complexity, thresholds are being considered to limit interpretation of substandard data. In parallel, research is exploring how trace DNA is transferred, raising further questions about its evidentiary value. These complexities present significant challenges in legal settings, as courts grapple with how to interpret or exclude such nuanced evidence during trial.