In 1992 the National Research Council issued DNA Technology in Forensic Science, a book that documented the state of the art in this emerging field. Recently, this volume was brought to worldwide attention in the murder trial of celebrity O. J. Simpson. The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence reports on developments in population genetics and statistics since the original volume was published. The committee comments on statements in the original book that proved controversial or that have been misapplied in the courts. This volume offers recommendations for handling DNA samples, performing calculations, and other aspects of using DNA as a forensic toolâ€"modifying some recommendations presented in the 1992 volume. The update addresses two major areas: Determination of DNA profiles. The committee considers how laboratory errors (particularly false matches) can arise, how errors might be reduced, and how to take into account the fact that the error rate can never be reduced to zero. Interpretation of a finding that the DNA profile of a suspect or victim matches the evidence DNA. The committee addresses controversies in population genetics, exploring the problems that arise from the mixture of groups and subgroups in the American population and how this substructure can be accounted for in calculating frequencies. This volume examines statistical issues in interpreting frequencies as probabilities, including adjustments when a suspect is found through a database search. The committee includes a detailed discussion of what its recommendations would mean in the courtroom, with numerous case citations. By resolving several remaining issues in the evaluation of this increasingly important area of forensic evidence, this technical update will be important to forensic scientists and population geneticistsâ€"and helpful to attorneys, judges, and others who need to understand DNA and the law. Anyone working in laboratories and in the courts or anyone studying this issue should own this book.

Intellectual-property cases involve high monetary stakes. A companys existence may depend on its innovations and the lawsuits. Clear and Convincing Evidence provides insight into every phase of intellectual property law and the battles that occur at the Patent Office and in the courtroom. Anyone thinking that intellectual-property is unexciting will change their view after reading about George Gerstmans career in this book. Some attorneys would be glad to have one memorable case during their professional life. Gerstman has one memorable case after another which he chronicles in this biography. The diversity of cases is amazing. The book includes examples such as Gerstman's first case which went from the boxing ring to the courtroom to a case involving the arresting of a technician to get crucial evidence for the case, to being held hostage in Harlem trying to enforce a federal court order, to testifying as a patent expert witness on behalf of some of the largest corporations in the world in patent cases. Find out how the protection of computer software got its start and how videogames became protected by the courts. The book provides an intriguing look into intellectual property law as it has never been seen before.