Ethics in Forensic Science

Ethics in Forensic Science

Introduction

Formally structured ethics in a complex field such as forensic science should be followed, especially because in this arena, lives literally depend on it. These principles should be understood with clarity since they deliver the critical fundamentals of the ultimate system resulting from the fundamental elements. The main principle of ethics is to do the right thing. It forms the unifying building blocks for different cultures, societies, and personnel. To create this uniformity, morals, and ethics of certain professionalism should be clearly defined. In forensics, the role of each individual should be clearly understood and what is expected of them in order for them to produce the desired and just end product.in the field of forensics, the professionals must follow the notion “the means justify the end.” The ethical dilemma in forensics includes misuse of work, competence, scientific and professional judgments, a delegation of work, avoidance of harm, multiple relationships, exploitation, and informed consent. This paper will examine the ethical dilemmas listed above.

Background information

Forensic science assists in the judicial system in delivering justice by providing accurate results and conclusions, which will be used to make just decisions.

Forensics have standard codes that address the professional behavior expected of the people in agencies.

One act may be ethical to one forensic scientist but unethical to another. Therefore these codes form a foundation that promotes unifying understanding of all elements in forensic science.

Ethical dilemmas

According to Siegal (2012), ethical dilemmas can be classified into six broad categories. They include;

Professional credentials

Forensic scientists ought to present accurate credentials in their particular field.

Such credentials include an actual certification with the American Board of pathology and work experience.

Laboratory analytical procedures

Laboratories should have defined protocol that should be followed to the key during test analysis.

Most times, the laboratories hardly follow these codes in the hurry of producing work faster, which is unethical.

The unethical issues common in laboratories include insufficient analysis, compromised analysis to favor a defendant, or to hide evidence.

Laboratories ought to ensure that the results and conclusions it submits in court are trustworthy because some lives depend on it.

Interpretation of data in the courtroom

Ethical dilemmas in a court of law are common for forensic scientists, especially in analytics interpretation and testimony presentation.

Forensic scientists ought to ensure that the information they present is in no way bais.

Ethical issues in data presentation and interpretation include the usage of scientific jargon, deceptive os confusing testimonies, inappropriate explanations in results and conclusions, etc.

Privately employed forensic scientists

The increase in privately hired consultants has increased ethical concerns in the arena of forensic science.

The privately hired consultants should have their own disciplinary codes that match those of publicly hired consultants to bring a balance to the field.

Obligations to the profession

All forensic scientists have a responsibility to follow and maintain all ethical considerations in forensic professionalism.

They should address all the dilemmas and report just in case the set ethics are not considered.

Ethical dilemmas

According to Shapiro (2016), the ethical issues in the field of forensic science include;

Misuse of work

The forensic scientists must, at no time, misuse their professionalism to deprive basic human rights.

If any violation of ethics occurs, the scientist ought to consider resolving the issue or minimizing its effect.

Competence

Forensic scientists are expected to work to the best of their competence to provide the best services required of them. This is based on their education, work experience, and training.

Scientific and professional judgment

The forensic scientists are required to base their judgment on scientific and professional knowledge, as well as relevant literature and continuous education.

Delegation of work

Any supervisor is expected to delegate work evenly to his subordinates. He should avoid giving work to unqualified people who will provide lame results. Moreover, he is expected to avoid delegating roles to people who have a mutual relationship with the people in question.

Avoidance of harm

Forensic scientists are not expected to use their position to harm others. in case the harm is unintentional, scientists are expected to resolve or minimize this effect.

Scientists are also expected to consider all short-term and long-term harms before giving any evaluations.

Multiple relationships

If a forensic scientist is expected to serve multiple roles, they ought to clarify their role expectations and the extent of confidentiality.

They are not expected to assume a role if they have any multiple relationships with the clients that would jeopardize their competence.

Exploitation

A forensic scientist is not expected to exploit those who he is serving or supervising. These include clients, students, or subordinates. The exploitation may include overworking, discrimination, sexual harassment, and unfair services.

Informed consent

Consent seeking is required in the forensic science field. One ought to seek the consent of the person involved and the representing council when providing services.

Other ethical considerations include confidentiality, data reliability and validity, and documentation.

Conclusion

Forensic scientists are sometimes faced with difficult decisions to make in rendering the results and conclusions that will be used to pass a judgment that will affect a person’s life.

The role of ethics is to reduce this burden. They, therefore, have to ensure that the ethics are followed to the letter.

Ethics ensures to establish quality, valid, and reliable information that promotes the court’s principle of fairness and justice.

References

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