- 1: Types of Evidence
- 2: Types of Crime Scenes
- 3: Evidence Collection
- Collection Priority
- Control Samples
- Reference Sample Collection
- Equipment
- Procedures
- Biological Evidence Packaging
- Blood and Body Fluid Collection
- Hair and Fiber
- Wet Stains on Absorbent Surfaces
- Special Situations
- Wet Stains on Nonabsorbent Surfaces
- Dry Stains on Absorbent Surfaces
- Dry Stains on Nonabsorbent Surfaces
- Collecting a Sample From a Smear
- Evidence Marking
- Packaging for Transport
- Chain of Custody
- Preserving Evidence
- Reporting
- Testifying
- Summary
- 04: CODIS
Testifying
Home > 3. Evidence Collection > Testifying
The well-documented research of forensic DNA analysis methods, along with
the National Quality Assurance DNA Standards, limit the challenges against
the underlying science used in forensic DNA laboratories. However, the investigator
may encounter challenges originating from evidence identification, note taking,
collection procedures and proper chain of custody.
All law enforcement notes, reports, photographs, laboratory analysis reports and chain-of-custody records are kept in the case file, which is made available to the prosecution and is subject to discovery by defense counsel. The chain of custody operates like a chain; if one link is broken, the chain breaks and the evidence may be ruled as inadmissible.
Click here to view additional information about testifying. (PDF)
