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Detecting and denying DNA evidence: a history of forensic identification
M.W. Perlin, "Detecting and denying DNA evidence: a history of forensic identification", Pioneers of Forensic Science, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, 2-Jun-2017.
Talk
PowerPoint presentation with live audio recording of Dr. Perlin's talk.
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Abstract
The measure of DNA evidence is the information it finds. With mixtures of two or more people, eliciting identification information from DNA data requires modern computing. Older interpretation methods simplify DNA data, introducing human bias and giving inaccurate answers.
This talk examines the consequences of unscientific mixture interpretation, and the impact of bad DNA information on criminal justice. It shows how government incentives institutionalize forensic failure. DNA success needs better legal education and scientific expertise.
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