Evolution in court: Forensic applications of molecular phylogenies

Fernando González-Candelas

Abstract


The last two decades have witnessed the widespread use of genetic testing in courtrooms to identify criminals from biological remains, determine paternity or identify corpses. Less is known, however, about expert reports based on the use of molecular phylogenies. Such reports are founded on studies into the common ancestry of organisms, usually bacteria or viruses, to trace them back to the source of infection. Such cases range from a Florida dentist who infected several of his patients with HIV, to a Spanish anaesthetist, Juan Maeso, who transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) to almost 300 patients. Evolutionary theory plays an essential role in resolving cases like these, and this article explains how and why evolutionary theory is pertinent.

Keywords


common ancestor; virus; molecular clock; likelihood ratio; evolutionary hypotheses

Full Text: PDF PDF (Català) PDF (Español)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.78.2451

References


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