- 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 13 :: Trial Presentation
Topic 2 :: Making Information Comprehensible to Jurors
Making Forensic DNA Testimony Understandable
DNA testimony may introduce scientific and statistical terms that should be defined and explained to the jury as simply as possible.
Testimony may include the basics of inheritance, testing methods, how forensic scientists are able to use DNA technology to include or exclude individuals as the source of the evidence, and statistical interpretations.
The use of analogies to explain some concepts may make the testimony more understandable. Visual aids may be used to illustrate key points, in appropriate cases.
