Dr. J. Thomas McClintock of DNA Diagnostics, Inc. is committed to helping customers understand the science of DNA typing, the methods and tests used to identify human DNA, their usefulness and limitations, and the various legal questions raised by attorneys and judges prior to and during trial. Dr. McClintock has provided training to prosecutors, defense attorneys, investigators, and law enforcement officials on effective DNA evidence handling, chain of custody procedures, specialized trial tactics, and effective presentation of DNA evidence in the court room. Workshops have also been designed to provide a basic understanding of the ABCs of DNA, as well as a thorough background of the molecular techniques used to determine an individual’s identity (i.e., a DNA profile) or parental lineage.
DNA typing courses are available that are designed to provide the participant with an understanding of the principles and methodologies used in PCR-based tests such as STR (short tandem repeat) analyses. The practical applications coupled with the use of PCR-amplified products of specific human DNA regions, are emphasized in selected topics for those in the legal professions as well as for forensic and research scientists. Customized workshops, seminars, and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs are also available upon request to suit the customer’s needs. An outline of an often requested workshop, which focuses on effective presentation of DNA evidence in a jury trial, is presented below.
DNA Profiling: Effective Presentation of DNA Evidence in Jury Trials
I. INTRODUCTION: Objective and Goals
II. ANALYSIS OF DNA: The Genetic Material
A. Historical Considerations
1. Blood Typing
2. DNA Typing
a. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis
b. HLA DQA1/PM Typing
c. D1S80 Typing
B. Physical Characteristics
1. Chromosomes, Genes, and Alleles
2. Chemical Structure
III. DNA TESTING TECHNIQUES
A. Current DNA Typing/Profiling
1. Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Typing
2. Amelogenin (gender determination) Typing
3. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Typing
B. Methodological Problems and Issues
IV. PRESENTING DNA EVIDENCE AT TRIAL
A. Preparation/Presentation of DNA Evidence
1. DNA Expert
2. Qualification of the Expert Witness
B. Technical versus Non-Technical Approaches
C. Communicating DNA Evidence to the Jury
V. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS
OTHER WORKSHOPS or TRAINING SESSIONS have included such topics as:
PCR Methodology
Collection, Handling, and Storage of Evidence
D1S80 Typing
DNA Typing: RFLP and PCR-Based Systems
RFLP Technologies: Forensic and Research Applications
The ABCs of DNA Typing: Principles and Methodologies
Applications of DNA Technology in Forensic Science
Advance Formula DNA: Crime Science to Lab to Court
Contact us by phone (703-927-9090) or EMAIL DNADiagnosticsInc@gmail.com to customize your own Workshop.