- 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
Search and Seizure Issues
The defendant needs the following information:
- DNA (or bodily fluids containing DNA) may be seized by court order, or as a result of an arrest.
- Neither the right to privacy nor the privilege against self-incrimination prevents the seizure of DNA.
- Genetic material left at a place where there is no expectation of privacy may be seized.
- Refusing to cooperate in a court-ordered DNA test may be admissible as evidence against the defendant at the time of trial (or at sentencing).
