An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, Second Edition

Rating:
Summary: excellent review of the methods used in DNA typing
Review: As a forensic scientist conducting DNA analysis for a crime laboratory, I'm constantly reviewing the latest literature on the subject. This text by Inman and Rudin is one that I've purchased and will keep on my desk for constant reference. My job requires that I not only conduct the laboratory analyses but also convey the results to a jury of lay individuals. This book bridges the gap between expert and novice and should be in the library of anyone with more than a casual interest in the subject.

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Summary: Attorney's Guide
Review: As a practicing lawyer who earns a living in the criminal courts, I found this book an excellent and informative guide to this often problematic area. The authors introduce the subject in a way that is easy for the beginner to comprehend, but at the same time include sufficient detail to answer many of the most pressing problems facing a defence team in court.

Rating:
Summary: A great intro for the beginner
Review: Having left behind my interest in genetics in order to pursue tax accountancy, I've always been fascinated by accounts of DNA typing. This book provides a wonderful introduction that is accessible to even the novice geneticist like myself. Much of the information Rudin and Inman give is quite practical; with some help from a friend who works in a medical lab I was able to set up my own electrophoresis gels and PCR. A word of caution to the amateur, however: make sure you practice before drawing any conclusions from the "evidence." My wife, Amy, wouldn't speak to me for a week after I claimed that a stain on our bed linen did not match my DNA. It turned out that she had spilled some ice cream.

Rating:
Summary: A great intro for the beginner
Review: Having left behind my interest in genetics in order to pursue tax accountancy, I've always been fascinated by accounts of DNA typing. This book provides a wonderful introduction that is accessible to even the novice geneticist like myself. Much of the information Rudin and Inman give is quite practical; with some help from a friend who works in a medical lab I was able to set up my own electrophoresis gels and PCR. A word of caution to the amateur, however: make sure you practice before drawing any conclusions from the "evidence." My wife, Amy, wouldn't speak to me for a week after I claimed that a stain on our bed linen did not match my DNA. It turned out that she had spilled some ice cream.

Rating:
Summary: A must-have for any DNA criminalist or criminal lawyer
Review: I have a BS in genetics and biochemistry and am looking to enter into a forensics lab. This book is an EXCELLENT resource for an entry-level criminalist, criminal lawyer, or the non-scientist interested in this topic. It was organized from basic genetics to higher-level interpretation issues and included tons of diagrams, pictures, and relevant case studies. This book did an outstanding job explaining complicated and detailed subject matter in an easy to understand and interesting matter.

Rating:
Summary: A must-have for any DNA criminalist or criminal lawyer
Review: I have a BS in genetics and biochemistry and am looking to enter into a forensics lab. This book is an EXCELLENT resource for an entry-level criminalist, criminal lawyer, or the non-scientist interested in this topic. It was organized from basic genetics to higher-level interpretation issues and included tons of diagrams, pictures, and relevant case studies. This book did an outstanding job explaining complicated and detailed subject matter in an easy to understand and interesting matter.

Rating:
Summary: Other books by the author
Review: If you liked " An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis", you also want to check out "Dictionary of Modern Biology", Barron's Educational, 1997. (hint: in Amazon.com search under Rudin, Norah or the title

Rating:
Summary: vivid introduction to forensic genotyping techniques
Review: Nice figures, photos, schemes, and U.S. tables; lively comparisons show that authors are good teachers. Though technical part of the book outdates fast necessarily (acronym SNP has not been coined in 1996 yet), it is a shame that an interpretation part of the book neglects the current knowledge. Bayes theorem is known since 1763 and, nevertheless, likelihood ratio is not even mentined in the book! Books of Evett and Weir or of Robertson and Vignaux cannot be substituted by this book.

Rating:
Summary: This showed an apt knowledge of DNA and it's life applicatio
Review: This was an informative and comprehensive rewiew of typically boring material. I felt a new understanding of the topic of DNA.