Attorneys for indigent receive DNA training

[Luke Davis]

For a change some good news. The only program of its kind in the United States.

That's why a cutting-edge program in Sacramento tries to make sure that even those who cannot afford lawyers have advocates who are experts in DNA. On Friday, the county's DNA Defender Training Institute graduated its second class -- five lawyers who represent indigent clients.

The program is the only one of its kind in the nation, said Fern Laethem, director of the county's Conflict Criminal Defenders, who started the program in 2000.

It is taught by Bob Blasier, an El Dorado Hills lawyer best known for his DNA work on O.J. Simpson's defense team.

Blasier says the value of the class is not necessarily to boost courtroom acquittals but to train lawyers whose expertise allows them to cross-examine DNA analysts about testing procedures, especially in the wake of laboratory scandals around the nation.

sacbee

[Mysteri]

We can only hope it catches on everywhere !!!

[Sturgeon_Moon]

Sounds like a great idea.

imo