- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 1 :: Introduction
Topic 1 :: DNA Evidence Overview
DNA Evidence Overview
DNA was first introduced as evidence in the United States court system in 1987. DNA technology has become an increasingly powerful forensic tool for identifying or eliminating individuals as perpetrators of a crime when biological evidence such as saliva, tissue, blood, hair, or semen is left at a crime scene. Outside the courtroom, DNA can provide important investigative leads to resolve issues of human identification.
