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Interpreting DNA Mixtures

Authors :
Weir, BS
Triggs, CM
Starling, L
Stowell, LI
Walsh, KAJ
Buckleton, J
Source :
Journal of Forensic Sciences; March 1997, Vol. 42 Issue: 2 p213-222, 10p
Publication Year :
1997

Abstract

The interpretation of mixed DNA stains is explained in the context of likelihood ratios. The probabilities for the mixed-stain profile are evaluated under alternative explanations that specify the numbers of contributors and the profiles of any known contributors. Interpretations based simply on the frequencies with which random members of a population would not be excluded from a mixed-stain profile do not make use of all the information, and may overstate the strength of the evidence against included people. The effects of the numbers of contributors depends on whether all the alleles at a locus are present in the mixed stain. A general equation is given to allow likelihood ratios to be calculated, and includes the ā€œ2pā€ modification suggested by the 1996 NRC report. This modification is not always conservative. A computer program to perform calculations is available.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00221198 and 15564029
Volume :
42
Issue :
2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Journal of Forensic Sciences
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs34310891
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1520/JFS14100J