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2.
Codes of Ethics for Forensic Science
Numerous professional forensic organizations have adopted codes of ethics
(Appendices B, C, D). Although the creation of ethical codes for the profes-
sion of forensic science is a step in the right direction, several problems
remain. First, the existence of multiple codes of ethics for a single profession
creates discord and confusion. Which set of standards should a criminalist
choose? To which code should she be held? Second, the working criminalist
is not required to accept 
 
any
ethical code. Should he be? Finally, one may
engage in the practice of forensic science without a prerequisite membership
in the profession. Should those who examine evidence be required to join
the profession formally? What about those who opine on evidence and cases,
particularly in a court of law, but do not otherwise practice the profession?
 
a.
Which Code?
The most basic ethical considerations in forensic science (and other applied
sciences) are shared with the academic sciences. These include but are not
limited to:
1. Accurate representation of qualifications
2. True and accurate representation of data
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Ethics and Accountability — The Profession of Forensic Science
313
3. Clear and complete documentation*
4. Reporting of colleagues who violate the profession’s ethical code
Others considerations are specific to forensic science because of the special
nature of our interaction with the justice system. These include but are not
limited to:
1. Maintaining the integrity of the evidence
2. Impartiality of the examiner
3. Limitations on conclusions
4. Limitations on the examiner’s expertise
5. Confidentiality and disclosure
6. Exculpatory evidence
7. Testimony
8. Fees**
The two codes of ethics espoused by the national forensic organizations,
the ABC and the AAFS, and the various regional codes, differ from each other
considerably. At one extreme, the AAFS code of ethics contains only four
points, two of which concern themselves with the interests of the organiza-
tion. The two parts of the code that actually concern the everyday activities
of the practitioner cover the fundamental areas of misrepresentation of cre-
dentials or misrepresentation of data (Appendix B):
1. Every member of the AAFS shall refrain from providing any material
misrepresentation of education, training, experience, or area of exper-
tise. Misrepresentation of one or more criteria for membership in the
AAFS shall constitute a violation of this section of the code.
2. Every member of the AAFS shall refrain from providing any material
misrepresentation of data upon which an expert opinion or conclusion
is based.
At the other end of the spectrum lies the CAC code of ethics which contains
very specific instructions in the areas of:
1. Ethics relating to scientific method
2. Ethics relating to opinions and conclusions
3. Ethical aspects of court presentation
* Although clear and complete documentation is a cornerstone of academic science, its
implementation in forensic science varies widely. In our opinion, the same high standard
should apply.
** The special consideration for forensic work refers to refraining from working on contin-
gency rather than imposing any limit other than “reasonable” on the fees actually charged.
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Principles and Practice of Criminalistics
4. Ethics relating to the general practice of criminalistics
5. Ethical responsibilities to the profession.
The CAC code (Appendix D) is extremely specific, and has been updated
twice from its original 1957 version, the last time in 1985. The ABC code
was derived from the CAC version, and is intermediate in length and speci-
ficity. It contains 18 points, one of which concerns itself with the interests of
the organization. Each regional code is also slightly different.
No question exists that the greatest number of forensic scientists are mem-
bers of the AAFS and presumably subscribe to its code of ethics. Membership
in the AAFS, which includes virtually all of the forensic disciplines, criminal-
istics being just one section, requires only a couple of recommendations from
current members, payment of yearly dues, and the satisfaction of some fairly
minimal professional requirements. Most regional organizations have similar
requirements, although the demonstration of active participation in the pro-
fession may, in some cases, be a bit more stringent. The only organization that
requires a demonstration of professional knowledge is the ABC. Even to qualify
to take the GKE examination, one must demonstrate an active and continuing