NIJ Training: Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court
An interactive, self-paced, resource tool to educate and assist prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges in forensic DNA cases. The course consists of fifteen modules and covers:
- The biology of DNA, including statistics and population genetics.
- DNA laboratories, quality assurance in testing, and understanding a laboratory report.
- Forensic databases.
- Victim issues.
- The presentation of DNA evidence at trial.
- Post-conviction DNA cases.
Accompanying Case Study
The case study, in conjunction with this course, provides valuable information about the science of DNA and DNA testing. It draws upon a 1984 rape and murder that — while cold for many years — was reopened and investigated resulting in a criminal trial based largely upon DNA evidence. The case study, while fictional, is based upon factual events.
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Date Modified: August 2, 2012
