Abstract
Introduction
It is usual to attach a numerical weight to a match between DNA obtained from a crime sample and DNA taken from a sample given by a suspect. In Chapter 2, we discussed the possibilities of using a frequency, an exclusion probability or a likelihood ratio (LR) for this purpose. A frequency or an exclusion probability is based on data and the result is termed an estimate. The fact that what is given is an estimate leads to the following question: Should this numerical estimate be a best estimate or should some consideration be given to the uncertainty in this estimate?
This is a matter where opinions in the forensic community differ.
It is usual to attach a numerical weight to a match between DNA obtained from a crime sample and DNA taken from a sample given by a suspect. In Chapter 2, we discussed the possibilities of using a frequency, an exclusion probability or a likelihood ratio (LR) for this purpose. A frequency or an exclusion probability is based on data and the result is termed an estimate. The fact that what is given is an estimate leads to the following question: Should this numerical estimate be a best estimate or should some consideration be given to the uncertainty in this estimate?
This is a matter where opinions in the forensic community differ.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Forensic DNA Evidence Interpretation |
| Editors | John S. Buckleton, Jo-Anne Bright, Duncan Taylor |
| Publisher | CRC Press |
| Chapter | 6 |
| Pages | 181-202 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Edition | Second Edition |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781482258929 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781482258899 |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- DNA casework
- Peter Gill
- DNA analysis
- Interpretation of test results
- DNA frequencies
- LCN (ultra trace) analysis
- Non-autosomal (mito, X, and Y) DNA analysis