NAPD 2023 Rise, Resist, Represent Conference

Ballistic Evidence has long been admitted in criminal courts throughout the United States. Following the publication of the NAS Report in 2009 and the PCAST Report, Ballistic Evidence has come under increased criticism. This presentation will discuss the substantive and procedural issues involved in litigating Ballistic evidence. We will discuss the actions that should be taken and motions an attorney should file to ensure they are provided full discovery and access to the prosecution’s Ballistic evidence.  This information is necessary for the defense lawyer to prepare for trial and provide the defense expert a fair opportunity to conduct their own investigation.  We will discuss the different ways in which to try and challenge the admissibility of Ballistic evidence.  The presentation will also provide attorneys ideas on trying limit the manner in which Ballistic testimony is presented by the prosecution as well as ways to undermine its persuasiveness with the jury.