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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Expert Testimony and Evidentiary Rules

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

Both the expert and the attorney must be familiar with the governing rules of evidence. Those rules may require:

  • A pretrial determination of the admissibility of expert testimony.
  • Having the expert state his or her opinion.
  • Having the expert identify the underlying facts and data relied upon in reaching that opinion.
  • Non-disclosure of facts and data relied upon by the expert but not admissible under applicable rules of evidence.

Online Link - Click here to view the Federal Rules of Evidence.

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