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Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert

Forensic Expert's Role

The essence of the forensic expert's role in the judicial process is to assist the trier of fact in understanding complex scientific and technical issues. This explanation may include rendering an expert opinion.

The forensic expert's role may include being involved at various stages of a case, including:

  • Assignment.
  • Investigation.
  • Preliminary report.
  • Formal discovery.
  • Final report.
  • Pretrial preparation.
  • Trial.
  • Post Trial.

Upon assignment to a case, the expert begins investigating the evidence, following laboratory SOP and accepted protocols.

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