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. 1992 Dec 15;89(24):11654–11659. doi: 10.1073/pnas.89.24.11654

Population genetics in the forensic DNA debate.

B S Weir 1
PMCID: PMC50614  PMID: 1465380

Abstract

The use of matching variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) profiles to link suspects with crimes is potentially very powerful, but it has been quite controversial. Initial debate over laboratory procedures has largely given way to debate over the statistical and population genetic issues involved in calculating the frequency of a profile for a random member of a population. This frequency is used to weight the evidence of a match between suspect and crime scene material when the suspect denies responsibility for that material. A recent report from the National Research Council, intended to put to rest some of the issues, has instead raised further debate by advocating a procedure based on maximum frequencies of profile components over several different populations.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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