Product Description

Join our expert faculty on a deep dive into DNA and forensic testing in criminal cases. Learn about different methods of criminalistic analysis and screenings of crime scene samples and sexual assault kits (e.g., presence of saliva or other biological fluids), and the current state of forensic DNA testing.

Hear from the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, a defense expert, and practitioners about DNA mixture analysis using probabilistic genotyping, statistics, and likelihood ratios. Explore the use of forensic genetic genealogy in investigation and as evidence in court. Have your questions ready—the panel wants to hear from you!

Agenda & Materials

• 2:00pm - 2:05pm

  Welcome and Introduction

  Jill Tessier, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services , Worcester
  
• 2:05pm - 2:50pm

  Current DNA Processing at Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab

  Amy Barber, Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory , Maynard
  
• 2:50pm - 3:35pm

  Probabilistic Genotyping and DNA Statistics—Likelihood Ratios

  Steven Laken, Ph.D, President and C.E.O., Cephos LLC, Tyngsboro
  
• 3:35pm - 3:55pm

  Forensic Genetic Genealogy

  Jill Tessier, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services , Worcester
  
• 3:55pm - 4:15pm

  Criminalistics and Screening Tests

  Joanna Arkema, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services , Pittsfield
  
• 4:15pm - 4:45pm

  Litigation Tips

  Terry James McLaughlin, Esq., Worcester District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Worcester
  
• 4:45pm - 5:00pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair

Faculty