- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 11 :: Pretrial Issues
Topic 3 :: Defendant Issues
Defense Requests for Access to DNA Testing Laboratories
The defendant's expert may request to be present during any DNA testing that is conducted by the government's experts. However, some laboratories may have concerns (e.g., security, liability, confidentiality) that would make this access impossible. In such cases, the parties may jointly request that the evidence be sent to an independent DNA testing laboratory. In either circumstance, the parties must agree or a court order must be obtained.
Other laboratories may permit the defense expert to view the testing via remote communication.
