- 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
Defendant Issues
For a criminal defendant, a DNA-evidence case involves issues of science, proof, the right to expert assistance, and the potential for having to submit to testing. Upon conviction (or as a result of a guilty plea), he or she may be obliged to submit DNA samples to a data bank. Each of these issues warrants a detailed explanation. Informing the accused of his or her rights can facilitate a proper resolution of a case and ensure that the attorney-client relationship is secure.
