Description
Book SynopsisSince its introduction in the late 1980s, DNA analysis has revolutionized the forensic sciences: it has helped to convict the guilty, exonerate the wrongfully convicted, identify victims of mass atrocities, and reunite families whose members have been separated by war and repressive regimes. Yet, many of the scientific, legal, societal, and ethical concepts that underpin forensic DNA analysis remain poorly understood, and their application often controversial.Told by over twenty experts in genetics, law, and social science, Silent Witness relates the history and development of modern DNA forensics and its application in both the courtroom and humanitarian settings. Across three thematic sections, Silent Witness tracks the scientific advances in DNA analysis and how these developments have affected criminal and social justice, whether through the arrests of new suspects, as in the case of the Golden State Killer, or through the ability to identify victims of war, terrorism, and human ri
Trade ReviewThere are many books on the science of forensic DNA profiling. There are many books on the legal issues its raises. There are none as comprehensive and effective as Silent Witness in bringing together the thoughts of leading scientists, lawyers, and other researchers on the history of this revolutionary forensic science, the most recent advances and applications, and the ethical and policy issues it poses across the globe. * David Kaye, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, The Pennsylvania State University, and Regents' Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University *
This book traces the history of the fascinating forensic DNA technology and provides a comprehensive discussion of the many issues raised by it — the science, ethics, privacy, and many more. It is an essential book for students and scholars and indeed for the interested layperson. * Richard J. Goldstone, former Chief Prosecutor of the ICTY and ICTR and retired Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa *
This book is a great additional to the tool kit all of us have who seek truth and justice, whichever side of the courtroom we call home. * Brenda Hollis, Consultant, International Criminal Law and Procedure, former Chief Prosecutor SCSL/RSCSL *
This remarkable text brings together experts — from academia and the field — to share their knowledge of the science, law, and ethics around the use of emergent DNA technologies to bring justice, social repair, and closure in the wake of genocide, conflict and other humanitarian crises, including on the U.S. border. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of science and criminal justice, transitional justice, and peace-building. * Beth Van Schaack, Leah Kaplan Visiting Professor of Human Rights, Stanford Law School and Faculty Affiliate, Stanford Center for Human Rights & International Justice *
Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword by Scott Turow Acknowledgments List of Contributors Introduction: Genetics for Justice PART I: DNA Technology and Individual Identification 1. In the Beginning: Forensic Applications of DNA Technologies Henry Erlich 2. Exonerating the Wrongfully Convicted Justin Brooks and Desiree Moshayedi 3. Analysis of Forensic Mixtures Michael Coble, Bruce Budowle, and Henry Erlich 4. Forensic DNA Data Banks and Data Mining: The Balance Between Privacy Interests and Public Safety Frederick R. Bieber 5. Recent Developments in Forensic DNA Technology Henry Erlich, Cassandra Calloway, and Steven Lee 6. Microbial Forensics: Concepts and Application from Epidemiology to Crime Investigations Antti Sajantila and Bruce Budowle PART II: Human Rights and Humanitarian Disasters 7. The Living Disappeared: Forensic DNA Typing and the Search for Argentina's Stolen Children Mariana Herrera Pinero, Eric Stover, Melina Tupa, and Victor B. Penchaszadeh 8. Disappeared, Not Lost: Finding El Salvador's Missing Children Andrea Lampros, Montserrat Martinez Gomez, Cristian Orrego Benavente, and Patricia Vasquez Marias 9. Large Scale Identification of the Missing: Experiences and Perspectives of the International Commission on Missing Persons Andreas Kleiser and Thomas J. Parsons 10. Tracing Windblown Seeds: Genetic Information as a Biometric for Tracking Migrants in the United States Sara H. Katsanis 11. Preventing a Third Death: Identification of Missing Migrants at the US-Mexico Border Sara H. Katsanis and Katherine M. Spradley 12. Taking Stock: DNA Testing and Its Complex Truths Dawnie Steadman and Sarah Wagner PART III: Challenges and Debates 13. Admissibility of DNA Evidence in Court Andrea Roth 14. Immediacy and Authority: Identification Efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the World Trade Center Compared Amy Mundorff and Sarah Wagner 15. Forensic Genetics, Ethics, Privacy, and Public Policy Thomas J. White and Steven B. Lee Conclusion: The Future of Forensic DNA Analysis Index
