U.S. flag

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

Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

The Prosecution's Access to Defense DNA Testing Results

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

Photo of a three ring binder with the words "Forensic Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures" on the cover
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

The laws pertaining to discovery obligations of defense attorneys regarding DNA testing results will vary by jurisdiction. Generally, the defense is required to produce, "as part of the discovery process," DNA test results that they will introduce at trial.

Where applicable, prosecutors should request discovery regarding the defense lab's relevant standard operating procedures, as well as validation studies, proficiency test results, contamination issues, and so forth.

Back Forward