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Ethics Flashcards

1
Q

what is the link between ethics and forensic science (4)

A

expert witnesses are obliged to tell the truth

state facts without distortion

use relevant information - not misleading

properly present evidence

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2
Q

what is meant by ethics

A

the principles of right and wrong that someone uses to make a decision and how they conduct themselves

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3
Q

what is meant by profession ethical conduct in forensic science

A

the principles, values and constraints imposed on practitioners by their profession and workplace

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4
Q

what is ethically expected of a forensic scientist (4)

A

competence
being thorough
objectivity
willing to communicate freely results and the significance of their analysis

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5
Q

outline the role of an expert witness in forensic science

A

give expert opinion within their area of expertise

clarify procedure and interpretations using scientific facts and foundations

educate the jury and aid with their decision making

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6
Q

what does forensic science support

A

justice not the prosecution/defence

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7
Q

what is meant by an ethical dilemma

A

a type of ethical issue that arises when the available choices and obligations in a situation do not allow an ethical outcome

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8
Q

what 4 themes do ethical dilemmas commonly follow on

A
  1. truth vs loyalty (maintain integrity or personal relationships)
  2. individuals vs groups (choose between interests of an individual or those on the larger community)
  3. immediate vs future (choose between present benefits or longer term ones)
  4. justice vs compassion (choosing between fairness and dispassionate consequences)
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9
Q

what are some of the guidelines to remaining ethical given by Bowen in 2010 (8)

A
  1. do not use misinformation to support your claims
  2. do not represent yourself as an expert if you are not
  3. do not use misleading info
  4. do not divert attention away from an issue
  5. do not mis use peoples emotions
  6. do not hide limitations
  7. do not over simplify things
  8. do not advocate things you don’t support
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10
Q

how does Bowen 2010 identify the 4 main sources of pressure and conflict in forensic science that can lead to poor ethical conduct

A
  1. the police service
  2. the adversarial system
  3. the science
  4. our personal sense of ethics and morals
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11
Q

what are some examples of poor ethics in forensic science suggest by Bowen 2010 (5)

A
  1. reports with minimal info
  2. reporting findings without interpretations
  3. leaving significant info out of a report
  4. failure to differentiate between opinions based on experiment and opinions based on experience
  5. giving an opinion with greater certainty than the data suggests
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12
Q

what are the 6 motives associated with the role of expert scientists that result in conflict or tension

A
  1. competition
  2. job security
  3. economic reward
  4. principle (revenge, spite)
  5. recognition
  6. ego
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13
Q

what are the 4 guiding principles associated with the education of forensic scientists

A
  1. technical competence to employ reliable methods of analysis
  2. honestly with respect to their qualifications
  3. intellectual honestly of the scientific data
  4. objectivity in the review of evidence and delivery of expert testimony
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14
Q

what are some examples of ethical misconduct in crime scenes and labs suggested by Fisher (2000) (9)

A
  1. planting evidence at crime scenes
  2. collecting evidence without a warrant
  3. falsifying lab results
  4. ignoring evidence at a scene because it doesn’t support what you think
  5. reporting on tests not actually done
  6. examining evidence when not qualified
  7. extending beyond your area of expertise
  8. using not validated methods
  9. failure to report a colleague doing something from above
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15
Q

who decides if the scientist is a qualified expert and if their testimony is reliable

A

the judge

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16
Q

what are the two things evidence can be that results in the scientists having to make decisions and justify them

A

definitive or interpretational

16
Q

what does the credibility of the Forensic Scientist depend on

A

the reliability and accuracy of the work they perform

16
Q

what can forensic evidence sometimes be

A

circumstantial evidence

17
Q

what is meant by the scientific method

A

pursues the testing process by breaking hypotheses into their smallest components one part at a time

allowing tests to prove or disprove alternative explanations

18
Q

what 4 characteristics do reliable methods possess

A
  1. integrity
  2. competence
  3. relevant experience
  4. a defensible technique
19
Q

how does ethics relate to forming opinions and conclusions (7)

A
  1. valid conclusions need the use of proven methods
  2. test are designed to disclose true facts and all interpretations should be considered
  3. verify conclusions by re testing
  4. inconclusive or indefinite tests should also be explained not discarded
  5. being aware of limitations
  6. do not make interpretations based off the side who employed you
  7. clearly distinguish between fact and opinion
19
Q

how does ethics relate to the scientific method (5)

A
  1. the scientist should be inquiring, progressive, logical and unbiased
  2. conduct adequate examination not using invalidated tests
  3. be open minded
  4. don’t use unreliable materials
  5. be aware of new scientific methods
20
Q

how does ethics relate to the court presentation (6)

A
  1. indicate that what they are saying is their opinion not fact
  2. avoid terms the jury will misunderstand or misinterpret
  3. the expert does not have to present evidence that only supports the side that hired them
  4. don’t impress false information onto the jury
  5. do not extend yourself beyond your expertise
  6. if using photos and sketches these should not be altered
21
Q

what are the two models of the criminal process

A

due process
crime control

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