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Key Legal Issues Surrounding the Collection of DNA Evidence

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Self-Incrimination and the Right to Counsel

photo of a young man in 90's attire holding a sign that says "I Did It" with an arrow point at himself
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

DNA, like a fingerprint, a blood sample, or hair, is nontestimonial evidence. Thus, there is no violation of the fifth amendment privilege against compelled self-incrimination when DNA evidence is lawfully seized. 4

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