- 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 4 :: Defense - Appointment of Experts
Functions of the Defense Expert
An expert for the defense can serve multiple functions:
- Analyze and interpret the prosecution's laboratory report and data.
- Identify possible errors or omissions committed by the prosecution's testing laboratory or in evidence handling prior to the laboratory testing.
- Observe analysis when appropriate (e.g. limited sample cases).
- Evaluate the need for or conduct independent tests on the biological material.
- Offer testimony at trial to address the accuracy or significance of the DNA evidence.
