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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Defense: Appointment of Experts

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Photo of a female expert
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

An indigent accused of a crime has a constitutional right to expert assistance financed by the court or prosecuting county. 23 In the Ake decision, the Supreme Court affirmed the need of the State to ensure an indigent "access to the raw materials integral to the building of an effective defense."

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