Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Making Forensic DNA Testimony Understandable

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

DNA testimony may introduce scientific and statistical terms that should be defined and explained to the jury as simply as possible.

Testimony may include the basics of inheritance, testing methods, how forensic scientists are able to use DNA technology to include or exclude individuals as the source of the evidence, and statistical interpretations.

The use of analogies to explain some concepts may make the testimony more understandable. Visual aids may be used to illustrate key points, in appropriate cases.

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