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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Basic Discovery: The Duty to Disclose (cont.)

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National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Timing of disclosure varies among jurisdictions. Early disclosure can have the following benefits:

  • Avoiding surprise and unnecessary delay.
  • Identifying the need for defense expert services.
  • Facilitating exoneration of the innocent and encouraging plea negotiations if DNA evidence confirms guilt.

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