Interpretation of Lineage Markers in Forensic DNA Testing

• NCJ Number: 234186
• Journal: Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2011 Pages: 78-83
• Author(s): J. S. Buckleton; M. Krawczak; B. S. Weir
• Date Published: March 2011
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): GM 075091
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institutes of Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Ireland

Annotation

This study examined lineage markers in forensic DNA testing.

Abstract

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the non-recombining portion of the Y-chromosome are inherited matrilinealy and patrilinealy, respectively, and without recombination. Collectively they are termed 'lineage markers'. Lineage markers may be used in forensic testing of an item, such as a hair from a crime scene, against a hypothesized source, or in relationship testing. An estimate of the evidential weight of a match is usually provided by a count of the occurrence in some database of the mtDNA or Y-STR haplotype under consideration. When the factual statement of a count in the database is applied to a case, issues of relevance of the database and sampling uncertainty may arise. In this paper, the authors re-examine the issues of sampling uncertainty, the relevance of the database, and the combination of autosomal and lineage marker evidence. We also review the recent developments by C.H. Brenner. (Published Abstract)