U.S. flag

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

Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Media Effect (cont.)

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

Jurors may hold incorrect beliefs about DNA testing (e.g., that it always uniquely identifies an individual). Jurors may also expect DNA evidence to be presented in every case (even those in which no biological evidence was detected, those in which DNA results would not be probative, or those in which resource restrictions and other available evidence may make DNA testing cost prohibitive or otherwise unnecessary). As a result of these expectations, prosecutors may have to explain why DNA testing was not performed or why no results were obtained.

Back Forward