Forensic Science Professional Practice

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What is ethics?

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Branch of philosophy concerning principles of human duty and ideal human behavior. Known as the 'science of human duty.'

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How does ethics guide behavior?

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Guides behavior beyond just following laws, focusing on what is 'right' or 'wrong.'

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Difference between ethics and morals?

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Ethics refers to group principles, while morals refer to individual principles.

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Difference between ethics and law?

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Legal compliance may not always be ethical.

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What are key ethical questions in situational morality?

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Examples include self-defense, judicial execution, euthanasia, or self-preservation. Grey areas arise when there is more than one 'right' answer.

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What are self-assessment tools in ethics?

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Questions like 'Could I justify this decision publicly?' and 'Can I live comfortably with this choice?'.

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What are ethical dilemmas in forensic science?

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Misrepresentation of credentials, dry-labbing (fabricating data), and cognitive biases.

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What are cognitive biases in forensic science?

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Contextual Bias, Confirmation Bias, and Tunnel Vision.

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What are external pressures in forensic science ethics?

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Conflicting ethical obligations and deadlines imposed by statutes of limitations.

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Importance of a Code of Ethics?

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Establishes a standard for acceptable professional behavior and protects integrity by addressing both legal and moral behavior.