U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

"Fit"

Home  |  Glossary  |  Resources  |  Help  |  Contact Us  |  Course Map
 

Puzzle where all of the pieces say "Fact" on them except one that says "DNA Evidence"
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

There must be a need for scientific evidence in the particular case, and the scientific evidence must fit the facts presented. As one court has explained, evidence must "fit" - that is, it must assist the trier of fact:

Admissibility thus depends in part upon "the proffered connection between the scientific research or test result to be presented and the particular disputed factual issues in the case." 19

    As a general rule, DNA match evidence will fit in cases in which identity needs to be proven or if another physical fact (such as the occurrence of sexual contact) is in dispute.

    Back Forward