Blood Evidence: How DNA is Revolutionizing the Way We Solve Crimes

by Henry C. Lee, Frank Tirnady

From O. J. Simpson's "trial of the century" to the recent disappearance of Chandra Levy and the reopening of the Edward De Salvo case, the collection and use of DNA in criminal investigations has become a controversial and often confusing burden of proof. Blood Evidence explains the principles and science behind DNA testing and shows how it has both helped solve some of the most puzzling criminal cases in recent history and been used to discredit eyewitness accounts and physical evidence found at the crime scene. Written specifically for a lay audience, Blood Evidence is the first trade book to explore the complexities of DNA testing and the effect it has had on justice systems worldwide.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the title and cover would suggest this text is about criminal forensic science, it is really more a history of DNA identification, bio-genetics, cloning, forensic anthropology, Genetically modified seeds, designer babies and pets and the ethical ramifications of all applications of the use of genetic material from the tracking of all citizens with genetic data banks to the ethics of human cloning, and bio-engineered foods to create medicines.
The text covers discoveries up and through part of 2002, and could probably be updated with all of the new applications discovered since its release.
Very interesting and accessible to a lay person, this provides enough information to make a person more familiar with the industries that have developed around bio-engineering and DNA investigation from the identification of long dead historical figures, solving crimes, contamination of food sources, identification of bio-weapons and many other things.

[Crosby · Rating 3 out of 5]

For anyone wanting a detailed comprehensive history (up to 2002), complete with references, of the use of DNA analysis in legal cases, this book would be a good resource. I found the first half of the book to be slow reading because it attempted to chronicle everything from murder cases to agricultural fraud to pet cloning, etc without spending much space on any of them. The second half of the book was the most interesting because it expanded discussion on the details of some of the more famous cases in history, notably the cloning of Dolly the Sheep, the OJ Simpson murder trial, the search for 9/11 victims, the Thomas Jefferson paternity claims, etc. The book would make a good starting point for someone interested in some particular aspect of DNA application--chances are the book would provide initial references to research the topic further.