This unique history of the forensic use of genetic testing, and the controversies from the earliest days to the present, is both accurate and intelligible. An acknowledged authority in the field, David Kaye uses striking case histories and excellent analogies to make the scientific issues clear to a nonspecialist. It is an impressive achievement. -- James F. Crow, University of Wisconsin-Madison From the intricacies of genetics and statistics, to the niceties of the law of evidence, Kaye's sure grasp of the field has produced a fascinating critical history, though one in which the technical details never become overbearing. Both lawyers and forensic scientists will learn much from Kaye's diligent work. -- Mike Redmayne, London School of Economics and Political Science A cogent, fascinating history of the scientific and legal history of the most important breakthrough in the history of forensic science--DNA evidence. -- David E. Bernstein, George Mason University School of Law
David H. Kaye is Distinguished Professor of Law and Weiss Family Scholar, Pennsylvania State University.
This unique history of the forensic use of genetic testing, and the
controversies from the earliest days to the present, is both
accurate and intelligible. An acknowledged authority in the field,
David Kaye uses striking case histories and excellent analogies to
make the scientific issues clear to a nonspecialist. It is an
impressive achievement.
*James F. Crow, University of Wisconsin–Madison*
From the intricacies of genetics and statistics, to the niceties of
the law of evidence, Kaye's sure grasp of the field has produced a
fascinating critical history, though one in which the technical
details never become overbearing. Both lawyers and forensic
scientists will learn much from Kaye's diligent work.
*Mike Redmayne, London School of Economics and Political
Science*
A cogent, fascinating history of the scientific and legal history
of the most important breakthrough in the history of forensic
science—DNA evidence.
*David E. Bernstein, George Mason University School of Law*
The scope of Kaye's analysis, his insightful and meticulous eye for
detail, the coverage of both law and science (not forgetting the
math), and the spicing with human tales of crimes and academic
rivalries combine to ensure the book will interest a medley of
readers. As Kaye points out in his introduction, the power of DNA
technology is now beyond dispute. However, media portrayals of this
power are often inaccurate, while those professionals tasked with
employing the technology may not possess a competent understanding
of its actual strengths and limitations. The book could go a long
way toward correcting these failures, were it to become essential
reading for reporters, criminal investigators, legal professionals,
and, ultimately, the public—who are most often characterized as
demanding the increased use of DNA evidence by law enforcement.
Further, Kaye's account may help forensic scientists who do not
work with DNA to better understand the trials and tribulations that
were weathered by forensic DNA profiling on the 'far from smooth'
road to legal acceptance. With DNA hailed as the gold standard of
forensic science, Kaye presents a lesson that bears learning by
those disciplines or techniques currently struggling to sustain
their integrity as a science and gain, or maintain, legal
acceptance. DNA profiling did not become the gold standard
overnight, and even gold can be tarnished if mistreated or
mishandled… If we are to realize the full forensic potential of DNA
to improve detection rates, convict the guilty, and exculpate the
innocent, then everyone involved in the use of DNA profiling needs
a proper appreciation of the technology's history, strengths, and
weaknesses. This is what The Double Helix and the Law of Evidence
provides… May the book get the wide readership it deserves.
*Science*
Kaye is a law professor renowned for his meticulous attention to
detail, careful argumentation and impressive technical mastery of
statistical and scientific issues… The Double Helix and the Law of
Evidence offers a detailed, authoritative accounting of the legal
cases of this period and of scientific debates that ran in parallel
in the pages of scientific journals.
*American Scientist*
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