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Forensic Science & Ethics

According to the Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists, "it is the duty of any person practicing the profession of forensic science to serve the interests of justice to the best of their ability at all times." Ethics in this field can mean the difference between sending an innocent person to prison and allowing a guilty person to go free. Ethics is not just a list of dos and don'ts: It is a critical element in reliable science. Forensic scientists are often called upon to testify in court to explain and justify their findings. Ethical standards are the key to determining the truth.

  1. Scientific Method

    • The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines scientific method as "principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem." This means using only accepted and appropriate methods and techniques to test evidence. The corresponding data must be analyzed in an unbiased way, with the facts speaking for themselves.

    Conclusions and Opinions

    • As part of the scientific process, conclusions are drawn from the analyzed data. An ethical forensic scientist has to differentiate between scientific fact and investigative theory. There is often pressure from law enforcement to interpret data in favor of that pressure. The forensic report must make clear which conclusions are based on scientific facts and which are based on speculations and opinions.

    Court Presentation

    • Forensic scientists are often called to testify in court as expert witnesses. Their purpose is to present the forensic evidence in a way that is both clear and simple. Ethically, they must also present the information in a fashion that does not leave false impressions with the jury or the court and that does not unduly favor either side. It is also unethical as expert witnesses to claim expertise in areas of forensic science outside their specialties.

    General Practice

    • Forensics laboratories operating in private practice charge a given fee for tests conducted. Ethical labs do not charge based on the outcome of the results. If there is a request to provide a second opinion of another lab's work, the ethical procedures are to rerun the tests and compare the results. If there are discrepancies between the results, both labs should determine why and correct any shortcomings.

    Responsibilities to Profession

    • Forensic science is designed to determine facts and promote justice. Forensic scientists have an ethical responsibility to share new developments or techniques with the forensics field. Not only does sharing ensure standardized testing methods, but it allows for validity checks and critiques from others in the field. If these new developments or techniques are proven to produce invalid or unreliable results, corrections can be made.

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