The defense may assert that the prosecution’s DNA analyst is not qualified to give a statistical interpretation of the DNA results because the DNA analyst does not have a degree in statistics or population genetics.

First, the prosecution must know the Rules of Evidence and case law in their relevant jurisdiction for authority that the DNA analyst is not required to hold such degrees to render a statistical opinion.

Second, the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) was authorized by the U.S. Congress to issue national standards regarding the qualifications of forensic DNA analysts. The DAB Standards require only that the DNA analyst have “course work and/or training in statistics and population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.”  (see Baldwin v. State, 757 So.2d 227 (Miss. 2000).

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