DNA for the Defense Bar
June 2012DNA for the Defense Bar is the newest addition to a series of NIJ guides that aims to improve the use of forensic DNA in the criminal justice system. Designed specifically for criminal defense lawyers, it:
- Offers a primer on the science of DNA, from collection at a crime scene to laboratory analysis and findings.
- Provides general discussions on working with a criminal defense client and preparing a defense, including the testimony of a DNA expert witness and cross-examining prosecution DNA witnesses.
- Offers guidance regarding trial issues (for example, jury selection and opening and closing statements) and includes an in-depth discussion of the statistics with respect to CODIS match probabilities.
- Includes a discussion of post-conviction DNA testing.
Download:
- DNA for the Defense Bar (pdf, 192 pages)
(The source for Fig. 2, page 4, has been corrected.) - Appendixes (pdf, 68 pages)