- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 11 :: Pretrial Issues
Topic 3 :: Defendant Issues
The Impact of DNA Evidence on the Defense Theory of the Case
Because of the reliability of DNA testing, a defendant should understand the consequence of asserting a defense that might contradict the results of DNA analysis. Likewise, it is important for the defendant to understand that results of DNA analysis could support a claim of innocence.
On the other hand, if the defendant could not have been the source of the DNA evidence, a defense demand for DNA testing is critical to ensure a prompt determination of the case and secure potentially exculpatory, or even exonerating, evidence.
