- 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 14 :: Postconviction
Topic 1 :: Framework for Considering Cases
Category 3
These are cases in which biological evidence still exists. Results of DNA testing may provide additional, albeit inconclusive, information as to guilt or innocence.
Example: Petitioner is presently incarcerated for a multiple-assailant rape. The victim testified that seven perpetrators were involved but is uncertain whether all actually engaged in sexual intercourse. If vaginal swabs that were preserved are tested and petitioner's DNA profile is not found, the significance of the results will be minimal because they may not significantly undermine confidence in the outcome of the proceedings. It should be noted that if other participants in the rape can be identified through DNA testing and the petitioner can show the unlikelihood that he ever had contact/association with the other participants, this case may fall into category 1 or 2.
