Forensic Biologist III Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences
This presentation is a primer on DNA evidence used in prosecution of child sex assault cases presented by a seasoned child/adult sex assault prosecutor and seasoned DNA analyst. The workshop will cover collection of evidence and legal authority for collection, submission of evidence to the lab, primer on what a lab does when it receives evidence and how it performs serology, male screening, and DNA analysis. Further, the workshop will cover what different biological testing can be performed with evidence and in what instances additional biological testing may be helpful, as well as legal predicates and tips for admission and presentation of evidence at trial.
Learning Objectives:
Develop an understanding of what DNA is, how it can assist in investigations, and how to legally obtain admissible DNA evidence
Assess lab results to determine their significance for your investigation and determine if additional biological testing should be employed to further your investigation
Describe legal predicates for admission of DNA evidence and effective methods of presenting the evidence to the jury
