Statistical analysis

Are DNA profiles unique? What are likelihood ratios and why are they relevant in forensic DNA profiling? What is the use of a population database? Why is the use of statistical analysis limited in India? Let us explore these questions with Dr Turbett and Dr Sahajpal.

As you’ll recall from the lessons in week 4, we examine only certain loci within the non-coding regions of the DNA and, two unrelated individuals might share alleles at a particular locus. While every individual’s genome is unique, are forensic DNA profiles unique as well? Is it scientifically accurate to use the term ‘match’ while reporting DNA results?

In your jurisdiction, what kind of statistical analysis is conducted in DNA cases? Have you seen terms such as ‘match’, ‘perfect match’ or ‘100 % match’ in forensic DNA profiling reports? Share with us in the comments below.

*References for images

Certain images in this video are sourced from ‘Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency, National Institute of Forensic Science: An introductory guide to evaluative reporting (2017)’.