- 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 (cont.)
- Prepare defense counsel for challenging or presenting the DNA evidence.
- Offer testimony at trial to address the accuracy or significance of the statistical probability testimony.
- Present exculpatory DNA evidence testimony.
- Address shortcomings of any newer DNA procedure, either at a pretrial hearing to determine admissibility or at trial.
- Help defense counsel inform the client of the weight and significance of the government evidence prior to trial and thereby permit an informed decision on whether to have a trial or enter a plea.25
