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A Practical Guide for the Formulation of Propositions in the Bayesian Approach to DNA Evidence Interpretation in an Adversarial Environment
Author(s) -
Gittelson Simone,
Kalafut Tim,
Myers Steven,
Taylor Duncan,
Hicks Tacha,
Taroni Franco,
Evett Ian W.,
Bright JoAnne,
Buckleton John
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12907
Subject(s) - proposition , adversarial system , interpretation (philosophy) , set (abstract data type) , bayesian probability , computer science , cover (algebra) , position (finance) , computer security , artificial intelligence , epistemology , economics , engineering , mechanical engineering , philosophy , finance , programming language
The interpretation of complex DNA profiles is facilitated by a Bayesian approach. This approach requires the development of a pair of propositions: one aligned to the prosecution case and one to the defense case. This note explores the issue of proposition setting in an adversarial environment by a series of examples. A set of guidelines generalize how to formulate propositions when there is a single person of interest and when there are multiple individuals of interest. Additional explanations cover how to handle multiple defense propositions, relatives, and the transition from subsource level to activity level propositions. The propositions depend on case information and the allegations of each of the parties. The prosecution proposition is usually known. The authors suggest that a sensible proposition is selected for the defense that is consistent with their stance, if available, and consistent with a realistic defense if their position is not known.