- 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 4 :: Trial Presentation
Cross-Examination
Although most forensic DNA testing methods have been accepted by courts in all 50 States, challenges are still made, for example, in areas such as the education, training, and experience of a particular analyst. It also might be explored whether the analyst might be biased in some way; whether all relevant testing precautions were taken on quality assurance procedures followed; and the level of certainty of the results.2
Cross-examination may also elicit the limits of DNA evidence in that case. For example, DNA analysis cannot determine when or how the biological material was deposited at a particular location.
Reviewing transcripts of prior testimony of specific experts may be helpful.
