Forensic DNA Interpretation, Human Factors & Cognitive Bias: Improving the Practice Through a Systems Approach

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Forensic DNA Interpretation, Human Factors & Cognitive Bias: Improving the Practice Through a Systems Approach

This CLE program provides criminal defense attorneys with a practical, science-based framework for evaluating and challenging DNA evidence in serious criminal cases. The session explains how DNA is processed and interpreted in forensic labs, with a focus on common issues such as low-level samples, mixed-source profiles, and stochastic effects that can compromise reliability. Viewers will gain a clearer understanding of how probabilistic genotyping software like STRmix and TrueAllele works—and where its limitations lie.

The program also addresses how contamination, allele dropout, and lab errors can impact the validity of DNA results, and how these factors can be exposed in court through targeted questioning and expert analysis. Attorneys will learn how to identify misleading match statistics and overstated conclusions that may appear in lab reports or expert testimony.

By the end of the session, defense lawyers will be better prepared to scrutinize DNA evidence, cross-examine state experts, and work effectively with independent forensic consultants. This training is especially valuable for attorneys handling cases involving trace or complex DNA mixtures, where misinterpretation of the science can easily tip the balance against the accused.

Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor is a Senior Forensic Science Research Manager within the Special Programs Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Her work focuses primarily on integrating human-factors principles into forensic sciences, process mapping, expert decision-making, and developing requirements for adopting trustworthy and responsible AI systems. Publications include Forensic DNA Interpretation and Human Factors: Improving Practice Through a Systems Approach; Beginners Guide to Biometric and Forensic Science Human Subjects Research Protection; Best Practices in the Collection and Use of Biometric and Forensic Datasets, and NIST Scientific Foundation Reviews. Ms. Taylor has 20 years in the forensic science industry, including holding positions with Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin and as a consultant to the National Institute of Justice. Ms. Taylor is the study director for the Expert Working Group Series on Human Factors in Forensic Sciences and serves as the program manager of the United States National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee, tasked with advising

TOPICS

DNA DNA Software Bias Cognitive Bias

CLE State Accreditation

General 1.00
General CLE-HI: 1.00
General CLE-SD: 1.00
General CLE-NY: 1.20
General CLE-CA: 1.00
General CLE-IL: 1.00
General CLE-AK: 1.00
General CLE-MD: 1.00
General CLE-VT: 1.00
General CLE-MA: 1.00
General CLE-DC: 1.00
General CLE-ND: 1.00
General CLE-OR: 1.00
General CLE-WA: 1.00
General CLE-CT: 1.00
General CLE-NH: 1.00
General CLE-FL: 1.20
General CLE-VI: 1.00
General CLE-AZ: 1.00

Forensic DNA Interpretation, Human Factors & Cognitive Bias: Improving the Practice Through a Systems Approach

Forensic DNA Interpretation, Human Factors & Cognitive Bias: Improving the Practice Through a Systems Approach

CLE State Accreditation

CLE State Accreditation: