The use of genetics for the resolution of legal conflicts has recently been gaining a higher profile, largely as a result of scientific and technological advancements and the substantial broadening of applications. The theoretical framework underlying forensic genetics is the same irrespective of the materials and technology involved, however a great divide still exists in the manner and processes related to human and non-human analyses.This advanced handbook intends to overcome the historical barriers between the scientific fields of legal medicine, biodiversity and conservation, and food analysis by presenting a unifying, global perspective on the implications of genetic analyses on forensic affairs. This global perspective is presented in three parts: modes of inheritance and reproduction and taxonomic implications; current technological approaches and future perspectives; and a comprehensive systematization of the types of applications and organisms. Finally, a critical revision of the current investigative/expert systems and future perspectives is undertaken.This book provides a collection of international research, thereby constituting a reference platform for the forensic community and an advanced textbook for graduate students. It encompasses the theoretical bases of the field, and presents in the context of both perspectives of forensic action — probative and investigative — a comprehensive coverage of the current applications and technological state of the art.

Der Goldstandard unter den Referenzwerken der Rechtsmedizin In der zweiten Auflage des Handbook of Forensic Medicine vermittelt der Herausgeber Burkhard Madea der Leserschaft einen umfassenden, internationalen Ansatz in der Rechtsmedizin mithilfe eines Teams von Experten aus aller Welt. Das Buch enthält neue Inhalte zu den Themen Tatortuntersuchung, Analyse von Blutfleckenmustern, Terroranschläge, Brandkatastrophen, neue psychoaktive Substanzen und Molekularpathologie sowie einen umfassenden Überblick über sämtliche Aspekte der Rechtsmedizin. In den einzelnen Kapiteln werden alle Faktoren der Qualitätskontrolle und Best Practices behandelt. Anhand von Fallstudien werden die dort erläuterten Konzepte veranschaulicht und die Verbindungen zwischen verschiedenen Teildisziplinen hervorgehoben. Für Spezialisten, die täglich im Einsatz sind, werden in jedem Kapitel die Elemente der Routineanalyse behandelt. In der zweiten Auflage des Handbook of Forensic Medicine werden die neuesten Entwicklungen in der forensischen Molekularbiologie, der forensischen Toxikologie, der Molekularpathologie und der Immunhistochemie besprochen. Darüber hinaus bietet das Werk: * Eine gründliche Einführung in die Aufgaben der Rechtsmedizin in der modernen Gesellschaft mit einer Darstellung der internationalen Richtlinien und Akkreditierungen in der Rechtsmedizin * Umfassende Betrachtungen der medizinischen Aspekte des Todes, insbesondere des Wesens und der Definition von Tod, Autopsie und der Identifizierung der Opfer von Massenkatastrophen * Praktische Erörterungen zur Traumatologie und zum gewaltsamen Tod, insbesondere durch Ersticken, Stromschlag und Blitzschlag, Kindstötung und ärztliche Kunstfehler * Tiefgreifende Untersuchungen zum plötzlichen und unerwarteten Tod aus natürlichen Gründen, auch zur Biochemie nach dem Tod Dieses Buch ist unverzichtbar für jeden Experten in der Rechtsmedizin, Toxikologie und Hämogenetik sowie für alle, die Gutachten für Gerichtsverfahren erstellen sollen. Auch für Rechtsanwälte und Jurastudenten ist es ein ideales Nachschlagewerk.

The increasingly arcane world of DNA profiling demands that those needing to understand at least some of it must find a source of reliable and understandable information. Combining material from the successful Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science with newly commissioned and updated material, the Editors have used their own extensive experience in criminal casework across the world to compile an informative guide that will provide knowledge and thought-provoking articles of interest to anyone involved or interested in the use of DNA in the forensic context. Following extensive introductory chapters covering forensic DNA profiling and forensic genetics, this comprehensive volume presents a substantial breadth of material covering: Fundamental material – including sources of DNA, validation, and accreditation Analysis and interpretation – including, extraction, quantification, amplification and interpretation of electropherograms (epgs) Evaluation – including mixtures, low template, and transfer Applications – databases, paternity and kinship, mitochondrial-DNA, wildlife DNA, single-nucleotide polymorphism, phenotyping and familial searching Court - report writing, discovery, cross examination, and current controversies With contributions from leading experts across the whole gamut of forensic science, this volume is intended to be authoritative but not authoritarian, informative but comprehensible, and comprehensive but concise. It will prove to be a valuable addition, and useful resource, for scientists, lawyers, teachers, criminologists, and judges.

This handbook covers tested and proven DNA forensic testing methodologies, forensic bioinformatics techniques, case studies and current forensic legal framework for investigation of variety of crimes and provides a clinching evidence for speedy justice. DNA testing is widely used for forensic purposes and is changing the paradigm of (crime) investigation. The book contains chapters on usage of ultramodern DNA collection kits, presents era evidence collection and preservation, high-end DNA sample analysis in laboratory, DNA legislation, expert evidences, challenging and successful case studies, data generation and application of AI and IoT techniques for DNA data analysis, DNA databanks and training manpower to facilitate timely reporting to the requesting agencies. This handbook equips and enables police, investigators and crime analysis laboratories with knowhow of high-end tools, procedures and techniques to link or exclude a criminal to a crime. It is expected that this will be used by first responders, police, forensic analysts, judiciaries, evidence handlers and students and scholars of criminology and forensic sciences worldwide. The intention to write this handbook is to make DNA technology and its importance reach every common man and professional for correctly using it as a tool as and when required. This is quite evident that awareness of DNA technology has increased at a reasonable pace. Courts and investigating agencies are convinced and confident with its accuracy, reliability and unmatched peace delivered by various techniques of DNA fingerprinting and DNA profiling.

The book explores the fundamental principles, advances in forensic techniques, and its application on forensic DNA analysis. The book is divided into three modules; the first module provides the historical prospect of forensic DNA typing and introduces fundamentals of forensic DNA typing, methodology, and technical advancements, application of STRs, and DNA databases for forensic DNA profile analysis. Module 2 examines the problems and challenges encountered in extracting DNA and generating DNA profiles. It provides information on the methods and the best practices for DNA isolation from forensic biological samples and human remains like ancient DNA, DNA typing of skeletal remains and disaster victim identification, the importance of DNA typing in human trafficking, and various problems associated with capillary electrophoresis. Module 3 emphasizes various technologies that are based on SNPs, STRs namely Y-STR, X-STR, mitochondrial DNA profiling in forensic science. Module 4 explores the application of non-human forensic DNA typing of domestic animals, wildlife forensics, plant DNA fingerprinting, and microbial forensics. The last module discusses new areas and alternative methods in forensic DNA typing, including Next-Generation Sequencing, and its utility in forensic science, oral microbes, and forensic DNA phenotyping. Given its scope, the book is a useful resource in the field of DNA fingerprinting for scientists, forensic experts, and students at the postgraduate level.

Over the past several years, myriad manuals on crime scene investigations have been published with each focusing on select, or partial, aspects of the investigation. Crime scene investigation, done right, is a multi-faceted process that requires various forms of evidence to be collected, examined, and analyzed. No book available has addressed procedures to present global best practices by assembling a collection of international experts to address such topics. Manual of Crime Scene Investigation is a comprehensive collaboration of experts writing on their particular areas of expertise as relates to crime scenes, evidence, and crime scene investigation. The book outlines best practices in the field, incorporating the latest technology to collect, preserve, and enhance evidence for appropriate analysis. Various types of forensic evidence are addressed, covering chain of custody, collection, and utility of such evidence in casework, investigations, and for use in court. The approach, and use of international contributor experts, will appeal to a broad audience and be of use to forensic practitioners, and the forensic science community worldwide. Key features: • Assembles an international team of contributing author experts to present the latest developments in their crime scene field of specialty • Examines global best practices and what are consistently the most reliable tactics and approach to crime scene evidence collection, preservation, and investigation • Provides numerous photographs and diagrams to clearly illustrate chapter concepts Manual of Crime Scene Investigation serves as a vital resource to professionals in police science and crime scene investigations, private forensic institutions, and academics researching how better real-world application of techniques can improve the reliability and utility of evidence upon forensic and laboratory analysis.

Over the past twenty years, there's been a gradual shift in the way forensic scientists approach the evaluation of DNA profiling evidence that is taken to court. Many laboratories are now adopting 'probabilistic genotyping' to interpret complex DNA mixtures. However, current practice is very diverse, where a whole range of technologies are used to interpret DNA profiles and the software approaches advocated are commonly used throughout the world. Forensic Practitioner's Guide to the Interpretation of Complex DNA Profiles places the main concepts of DNA profiling into context and fills a niche that is unoccupied in current literature. The book begins with an introduction to basic forensic genetics, covering a brief historical description of the development and harmonization of STR markers and national DNA databases. The laws of statistics are described, along with the likelihood ratio based on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and alternative models considering sub-structuring and relatedness. The historical development of low template mixture analysis, theory and practice, is also described, so the reader has a full understanding of rationale and progression. Evaluation of evidence and statement writing is described in detail, along with common pitfalls and their avoidance. The authors have been at the forefront of the revolution, having made substantial contributions to theory and practice over the past two decades. All methods described are open-source and freely available, supported by sets of test-data and links to web-sites with further information. This book is written primarily for the biologist with little or no statistical training. However, sufficient information will also be provided for the experienced statistician. Consequently, the book appeals to a diverse audience - Covers short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, including database searching and massive parallel sequencing (both STRs and SNPs) - Encourages dissemination and understanding of probabilistic genotyping by including practical examples of varying complexity - Written by authors intimately involved with software development, training at international workshops and reporting cases worldwide using the methods described in this book

Forensic DNA Applications: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, Second Edition is fully updated to outline the latest advances in forensic DNA testing techniques and applications. It continues to fill the need for a reference book for people working in the field of forensic molecular biology testing and research as well as individuals investigating and adjudicating cases involving DNA evidence, whether they be civil or criminal cases. DNA techniques have greatly impacted obvious traditional forensic areas, but such advances have also positively affected myriad new areas of research and inquiry. It is possible today to think about solving forensic problems that were simply unheard of even a few years ago. As such, the book pulls all relevant research and applied science together into a detailed and comprehensive collection. Part I begins with the history and development of DNA typing and profiling for criminal and civil purposes. It discusses the statistical interpretation of results with case examples, mitochondrial DNA testing, Y single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short tandem repeats (STRs), and X SNP and STR testing. It also explores low copy number DNA typing, mixtures, and quality assurance and control. Part II moves on to cover the various uses and applications of analyzing collected physical evidence, victim identification in mass disasters, analyzing animal DNA, forensic botany, and other unique applications. Part III is dedicated to the latest advances and developments in human molecular biology and Part IV looks at policies and laws and ethics governing DNA evidence, and its utilization in various cases and the courts. Forensic DNA Applications, Second Edition covers cutting-edge research and advancements in the field and is the most up-to-date reference available. Edited and contributed to by the world's foremost leaders in the field, it is a must-have reference for established professionals, and an essential resource to legal professionals—lawyers and judges dealing with civil and criminal cases involving DNA technology—as well as students entering the fields of genetics and forensic DNA analysis.

A Litigator's Guide to DNA educates both criminal law students and forensic science students about all aspects of the use of DNA evidence in criminal and civil trials. It includes discussions of the molecular biological basis for the tests, essential laboratory practices, probability theory and mathematical calculations, and issues relevant to the prosecution and the defense, and to the judge and jury hearing the case. The authors provide a full background on both the molecular biology and the mathematical theory behind forensic tests, describing the molecular biological process in simple mechanical terms that are familiar to everyone, and periodically emphasizing the practical, take-home messages the student truly needs to understand. Pedagogical elements such as Recapping the Main Point boxes and valuable ancillary material (Instructors' Manual, PowerPoint slides) make this an ideal text for professors. - "Recapping the Main Point" boxes provide a simple and concise summary of the main points - Includes a glossary of essential terms and their definitions - Contains a full-color insert with illustrations that emphasize key concepts

Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing is written with a broad viewpoint. It examines the methods of current forensic DNA typing, focusing on short tandem repeats (STRs). It encompasses current forensic DNA analysis methods, as well as biology, technology and genetic interpretation. This book reviews the methods of forensic DNA testing used in the first two decades since early 1980's, and it offers perspectives on future trends in this field, including new genetic markers and new technologies. Furthermore, it explains the process of DNA testing from collection of samples through DNA extraction, DNA quantitation, DNA amplification, and statistical interpretation. The book also discusses DNA databases, which play an important role in law enforcement investigations. In addition, there is a discussion about ethical concerns in retaining DNA profiles and the issues involved when people use a database to search for close relatives. Students of forensic DNA analysis, forensic scientists, and members of the law enforcement and legal professions who want to know more about STR typing will find this book invaluable. - Includes a glossary with over 400 terms for quick reference of unfamiliar terms as well as an acronym guide to decipher the DNA dialect - Continues in the style of Forensic DNA Typing, 2e, with high-profile cases addressed in D.N.A.Boxes-- "Data, Notes & Applications" sections throughout - Ancillaries include: instructor manual Web site, with tailored set of 1000+ PowerPoint slides (including figures), links to online training websites and a test bank with key