- 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 13 :: Trial Presentation
Topic 1 :: Jurors and DNA Evidence
Media Effect (cont.)
Jurors may hold incorrect beliefs about DNA testing (e.g., that it always uniquely identifies an individual). Jurors may also expect DNA evidence to be presented in every case (even those in which no biological evidence was detected, those in which DNA results would not be probative, or those in which resource restrictions and other available evidence may make DNA testing cost prohibitive or otherwise unnecessary). As a result of these expectations, prosecutors may have to explain why DNA testing was not performed or why no results were obtained.
