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DNA - A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook Inventory

Purpose of the DNA Analyst's Testimony

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The prosecutor should be guided by the DNA analyst's testimony, assuring the jury that:

  • This is good science (because many laboratories use this science both for forensic and non-forensic purposes)
  • This is a good lab (because it follows protocols and is accredited)
  • This is a good analyst (due to training, experience, and proficiency tests)
  • The evidence in this case was handled properly (and demonstrate through the chain of custody)
  • The results are reliable (because there are no artifacts or reason to question them)
  • The statistics are calculated using standard, accepted statistical methods
     

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