A ruling in late June by the US Supreme Court is expected to result in more crime lab analysts having to testify at trial. In a 5-to-4 decision, the Court ruled that the confrontation clause of the US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment entitles criminal defendants to confront witnesses against them. As a result, lab analysts may be cross-examined about lab reports that are submitted as evidence. Procedures for challenging lab reports and compelling lab analysts’ testimonies will be implemented by the states. Dean Gialamas, president of the American Society of Crime Lab Directors, believes that the ruling will further increase workloads in crime labs.

Source: Forensic Magazine