Genetic Reconstruction of the Past describes how DNA analysis can be used to make inferences not only in criminal cases but also about the ancient past. Part One focuses on forensic genetics and crime scenes. It gives an in-depth account of how we developed PCR, and used it on DNA evidence for the first time in a US court case in 1986, the first post-conviction exoneration, and the first identification of a missing person. Part Two discusses how the same DNA technology and data can also illuminate the ancient past, the history of human origins and migrations.