Encyclopedia of DNA and the United States criminal justice system / Louis J. Palmer, Jr.

Format:

• Book

Author/Creator:

• Palmer, Louis J., Jr., 1956-

Contributor:

• Classes of 1883 and 1884 Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

• DNA fingerprinting--Encyclopedias.
• Forensic genetics--Encyclopedias.
• Justice, Administration of--United States--Encyclopedias.
• Justice, Administration of.
• Forensic genetics.
• DNA fingerprinting.
• United States.

Genre:

• Encyclopedias.

Physical Description:

vii, 464 pages : illustrations, maps ; 29 cm

Other Title:

Encyclopedia of DNA and the U.S. criminal justice system

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co., [2004]

Summary:

Forensic DNA analysis was first introduced to the American criminal justice system in the mid-1980s. Since then, DNA testing has become the leading forensic tool both for obtaining sexual assault criminal convictions and for establishing the innocence of criminal suspects and wrongfully convicted defendants. This encyclopedia provides straightforward and comprehensive information on the role of DNA in the American courts. Numerous entries explain the relationship of forensic DNA analysis to microbiology, population genetics, statistics, and the legal rules of the admissibility of scientific evidence. Full texts, preceded by summaries, are presented of all the statutes created by the states and the federal government that address the forensic use of DNA analysis, and the edited text of judicial case opinions that address specific DNA issues. There are many entries on organizations that use DNA testing to free wrongly convicted defendants and on individuals who were released from prison (many from death row) after DNA tests proved their innocence.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 453-456) and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Classes of 1883 and 1884 Fund.

ISBN:

0786417358

OCLC:

52876175

Online:

The Classes of 1883 and 1884 Fund Home Page