U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

DNA - A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook Inventory

Cross-Examination

Home  |  Glossary  |  Resources  |  Help  |  Contact Us  |  Course Map
 

Introduction to Cross-Examination

Few prosecutors have the scientific skills to challenge a defense DNA expert on the science of DNA. However, cross-examination of the defense expert involves the same skills that prosecutors use daily in their examination of any type of defense expert. Successful cross-examination consists of:

  • Careful preparation with the state's DNA analyst;
  • Drawing concessions from the defense DNA expert witness; and
  • Attacking the defense DNA expert witness on the areas of expertise and bias.

In this topic you will learn about conducting successful cross-examinations.

Back Forward