DNA evidence will be admissible if the proper foundation is laid: advice for a forensic medicine expert.

The use and advance of DNA evidence in courts of law has mushroomed in the last few years to the point that it can almost be assumed that DNA evidence will be admitted if the proper foundation is laid. While a few basic principles are necessary for admissibility in all cases, each case stands on its own and depends upon its own fact situation and evidence to determine admissibility. The more advanced the science and specificity in each case, the easier for admissibility. To challenge admissibility, a lawyer has to challenge the foundation laid for the evidence. It only stands to reason that if you cannot attack the science, you have to attack the scientist, ie, the expert witness. This presentation is based upon the author's six years as a prosecutor and almost 23 years as a judge. It will give attendees some helpful advice on the purpose of an expert witness, how to be qualified as an expert witness, and some dos and don'ts, as well as hints as to how to become a better expert witness.