Whose DNA is this? How relevant a question? (a note for forensic scientists).
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_8BD82DD03B15
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Whose DNA is this? How relevant a question? (a note for forensic scientists).
Journal
Forensic Science International. Genetics
ISSN
1878-0326 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1872-4973
Publication state
Published
Issued date
06/2013
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
7
Number
4
Pages
467-470
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Abstract
This communication seeks to draw the attention of researchers and practitioners dealing with forensic DNA profiling analyses to the following question: is a scientist's report, offering support to a hypothesis according to which a particular individual is the source of DNA detected during the analysis of a stain, relevant from the point of view of a Court of Justice? This question relates to skeptical views previously voiced by commentators mainly in the judicial area, but is avoided by a large majority of forensic scientists. Notwithstanding, the pivotal role of this question has recently been evoked during the international conference "The hidden side of DNA profiles. Artifacts, errors and uncertain evidence" held in Rome (April 27th to 28th, 2012). Indeed, despite the fact that this conference brought together some of the world's leading forensic DNA specialists, it appeared clearly that a huge gap still exists between questions lawyers are actually interested in, and the answers that scientists deliver to Courts in written reports or during oral testimony. Participants in the justice system, namely lawyers and jurors on the one hand and forensic geneticists on the other, unfortunately talk considerably different languages. It thus is fundamental to address this issue of communication about results of forensic DNA analyses, and open a dialogue with practicing non-scientists at large who need to make meaningful use of scientific results to approach and help solve judicial cases. This paper intends to emphasize the actuality of this topic and suggest beneficial ways ahead towards a more reasoned use of forensic DNA in criminal proceedings.
Keywords
Interpretation of forensic DNA profiling results Hierarchy of propositions Probability Forensic science research
Pubmed
Create date
25/06/2013 7:08
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:50