Novel DNA Science & Technology
Scientific research is constantly evolving and
yielding new information about DNA and the new
possibilities for its use. These experts will review
the most recent developments and explore their
potential legal implications.
Viral DNA
Moderator
The Hon. Justice Mary Lou Benotto, Superior Court of Justice (Ontario)
Panellists
Karen A. Shea, Assistant Crown Attorney,
Crown
Attorney’s Office (Hamilton)
Dr. Paul Sandstrom, National HIV & Retrovirology
Laboratories (Ottawa)
- Viral DNA and the difference compared to molecular DNA
- different tests?
- How are viral DNA cases prosecuted? similarities? differences?
- Unique and challenging procedural issues (ie. voir dires)
National Research Council Report (NRC Report)
Edward J. Ungvarsky, Northern Virginia Capital,
Defender Office
The work of those in the forensic science community is
vitally important, but they are often strapped in their
work for lack of adequate resources, sound policies,
and national support. Recognizing that change and
advancements, both systemic and scientific, are
needed in a number of forensic science disciplines
in order to: ensure the reliability of the disciplines;
establish enforceable standards; and promote best
practices and their consistent application, the United
States Congress directed the National Academy of
Sciences to undertake a study that led to this report.
The report provides constructive criticism of the
current state of forensic labs in the U.S. This session
will provide an overview of this report, and discuss:
- The effect and impact of the NRC Report
- Compliance with the report
- Is DNA the gold standard?
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