Ethical Standards in Forensic Science

Ethical Standards in Forensic Science outlines the state of the forensic science and engineering fields with respect to recognized methods and application of science, mathematics, and technology in the civil and criminal legal system in the United States. Significant emphasis is placed on the ethical role of the practicing forensic expert when performing analysis, reports, and opinions associated with litigation. The effect of bias is also investigated as conceptualized by the forensic scientist or engineer, the attorney, and the court. The role of these separate and distinct entities is analyzed and their overall effect, and where they intersect, is scrutinized insofar as where misconceptions and questionable science can derail the process of ethical practice and adjudication.

Ethical Standards in Forensic Science seeks to address the myriad practices in forensic science for a variety of evidence and analyses. The book looks at ethics, bias, what constitutes an expert in the field—both as a practitioner and to the court system—as well as the standards of practice as purported by the top forensic organizations. Coverage addresses evidence collection, chain of custody, real versus "junk" science, the damage questionable science can cause to a discipline and the judicial process, testing methods, report writing, and expert witness testimony in civil and criminal cases in a court of law.

The authors’ background in engineering provides a unique perspective on a variety of evidence and testing methods. As such, in addition to coverage the range of evidence and topics cited in the 2009 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Report, they address numerous challenges that have arisen specifically in forensic engineering cases—their specific area of expertise. Numerous case example are provided to illustrate the inherent danger of bias, inexact science, or expert witnesses taking dangerous and harmful liberties on the stand. Students, lawyers, and professionals in all forensic disciplines will find this a refreshing and accessible approach to elucidate the problem and offer suggestions for reform and change for the good of the entire profession.