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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

DNA Evidence Testing

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Photo of a scientist examining evidence in a lab
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Victims will have basic questions about DNA evidence:

  • How is evidence tested?
  • Who is responsible for doing the test?
  • How long will it take and when will the results be available?
  • What is the significance of the results?
  • Who will have access to the results?
  • What are the defendant's rights?

If there is no DNA evidence in their case, victims will want to know why.

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