Two Texts on Forensic DNA

Don't walk into to court to confront or present DNA evidence without a handle on the basics. Two recent textbooks offer help.

An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, Second Edition, Norah Rudin and Keith Inman (CRC Press, New York, 2002), seemed like the obvious place to start. The book is slim, and it has useful appendices filled with practice pointers and fodder for cross examination. (Appendix G on Quality Assurance Standards for forensic DNA labs is priceless.) Nonetheless, I found the book daunting because it is filled with jargon that is neither explained nor illustrated by way of helpful example as the book progresses. I am glad I have it on my shelves, but it needs company.

The better place to start is John M. Butler's, Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers, Second Edition (Elsevier, New York, 2005). This book is not an easy read. It is on the order of a freshman chemistry textbook for students weak in math weaknesses. (Meaning, it could have been harder, but it explains the basics well enough.) Butler is reliable. In trial, a witness gave me grief about my use of words, trying to throw me off track. I waved Butler under his nose, and he shut up.

Buy both. Read Butler first, and then send me a note so telling me what else to read.