Thursday, August 7, 2008

DNA Evidence Not Saved in 25 States

The ability to clear wrongly-convicted individuals is made more difficult because 25 states are not required to keep DNA evidence according to an August 5, 2008 story in USA Today ("DNA not kept in half of states"). The possibility of solving crimes committed years ago is hampered by lack of DNA samples as well. Disagreement about guidelines and length of time for saving DNA material and the requirements and cost for storage seem to be the biggest problems surrounding this issue.

Review selected library titles related to DNA evidence available now at LSC-CyFair Branch Library. Click the title of a book, select the "Request" button in the listing, and enter your library card number and PIN for each title you want to reserve for pick up at the library. Call the library at 281-290-3218 to check your PIN if you do not remember it. Use these subject words to find more in the library catalog:

  • DNA fingerprinting
  • DNA data banks
  • judicial error
  • false imprisonment
  • forensic sciences
DNA Databases book coverDNA Databases edited by Lauri R. Harding - Greenhaven Press, 2007
call number: 363.256 Dna

Crime Scene book coverCrime Scene: Inside the World of the Real CSIs by Connie Fletcher - St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2007
call number: 363.259 Fle

Forensic Laboratory Handbook book coverThe Forensic Laboratory Handbook: Procedures and Practice edited by Ashraf Mozayani and Carla Noziglia - Humana Press, 2006
call number: available from NetLibrary book database online with student/staff ID or library card if off campus (NOTE: click on link above and enter library card number if requested)
NOTE: "easy-to-read introduction to the work of the modern forensic laboratory"

Journey Toward Justice book coverJourney Toward Justice by Dennis Fritz - Seven Locks Press, 2006
call number: 347.731 Fri

After Innocence [videorecording] produced by Jessica Sanders, Marc H. Simon - New Yorker Video, 2007
call number: DVD nonfiction 614.1 Aft

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