DNA & Databases 101: Types of DNA and How We Use Them

On-Demand Webinar: DNA & Databases 101: Types of DNA and How We Use Them

75 Instructional Minutes

DNA has often been described as the gold standard of forensic science. Used by practitioners in the justice system to support identifications, prosecutions and exonerations, this forensic tool is ubiquitous in its use and reliability. This “DNA for beginners” webinar covers the basics of this important tool, including:

• The types of DNA markers that are used in the justice system, such as short tandem repeats (STRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mitochondrial DNA.
• Case circumstances and examples where these markers are used.
• A primer on the methods used to generate these profiles these DNA profiles.
• Foundational information about the various DNA databases such as CODIS, GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA as well as some of the similarities and differences between the databases.

This is part of the DNA in Court 101 Series: An Introduction to the Tools and Technologies of the Trade. This webinar series focuses on:

1. Understanding the basics of forensic DNA
2. The basics of statistics in DNA forensics 
3. Emerging uses of DNA from CODIS to familial search to FIGG 
4. How they fit into existing law enforcement practices and the criminal justice system
5. Established precedent on the use of DNA for active and cold cases as it relates to sample collection, consent, privacy, and statistics. 
6. Best practices for testimony and expert witnesses 

This series was made possible by support from QIAGEN.  

Cost: 

Members: $75

Non-Members: $100

If you would like to become a member, please join here!

Eligibility: 

NDAA’s mission to serve and support prosecutors and their staff. In consideration of this commitment, NDAA requires that all those in attendance of our programs currently work in or work closely with prosecution: NDAA invites prosecutors, law enforcement officers, investigators, lawyers and paralegals in local, state, tribal, federal and military government attorneys’ offices. If you are not sure about your eligibility, please contact training@ndaajustice.org.

Questions? 

Please contact training@ndaajustice.org.

This course was originally recorded on February 15, 2024

This course has been approved for 1 credit in Pennsylvania and Kansas; 1.25 credits in Illinois, Tennessee and Texas; 1.3 credits in Virginia. NDAA has applied for CLE credit in Mississippi and Ohio based on state requirements and guidelines. All other attorneys seeking self-study CLE credit should contact their state bar for more information. General questions or additional information regarding CLE credit can be directed to cle@ndaajustice.org.

Members are responsible for ensuring their state accepts self-applications for self-study CLE credits. 

Upon completion of your on-demand course, you will be required to complete a quiz before accessing a CLE Uniform Certificate of Attendance for the recording. If your state accepts self-study credits, you can submit this certificate directly to your state bar. In states that have pre-approved this course, NDAA will submit attendance.

General questions or additional information regarding CLE credit can be directed to cle@ndaajustice.org.