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Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists Ethics Guidelines Section 1. Scope. No written set of ethics can cover all circumstances and situations. This set of ethics is intended to be guidelines subject to the particular details of each instance. These ethics guidelines will apply to members of the Association when performing their duties as forensic scientists, educators, etc. Section 2. Procedures. An alleged ethics violation report, made in writing by any member in good standing, will be investigated by the Executive Committee with such assistance as they deem necessary. If in the opinion of the executive Committee the alleged violation requires action, they will present the pertinent facts to the membership at a business meeting and make such recommendations as they deem appropriate. Termination of membership requires a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the membership present at a business meeting. Lesser actions, such as reprimand, etc., will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership present at a business meeting. The alleged violation, the Executive Committee's report and recommendations, and the decision of the membership shall be reported in the newsletter. Section 3. Ethics Guidelines. A forensic scientist examines and performs scientific analysis on physical evidence; he interprets and/or evaluates his findings arriving at opinions and conclusions; and he reports and/or testifies on these opinions and conclusions as accurately, honestly, and truthfully as possible. His education and/or training must be sufficient that he can perform these duties correctly and honestly. Each scientist shall clearly state his training and education as it applies to his area of expertise and he will not claim any qualifications that are not properly his own. No personal interest or gain is allowed to bias or distort the accomplishment of the above duties. His opinions, conclusions, reports, and testimony shall be impartial. The scientist shall make adequate examination and analysis of the evidence. He shall not use excessive testing to needlessly enhance his results. He shall only use methodology currently accepted in his field(s) of expertise at the time of the analysis. He shall only use valid, reliable standard materials when making comparisons. His equipment should be accurate, reliable, and show precision and reproducibility appropriate to the technology involved. When the results are less than positive or negative, the scientist will qualify and explain his opinions and conclusions appropriately. The scientist will limit his reports and/or testimony to the opinions and conclusions that can be properly drawn from his examinations and analyses. He will not confuse scientific facts with opinion in his reports and testimony. He will not extend his conclusions and opinions beyond his area(s) of expertise. His reports and testimony will clearly assign the proper weight and certainty to his opinions and conclusions; and he will avoid terms that may be misconstrued or misunderstood. His reports and testimony will avoid misleading or ambiguous language. Any photographs, posters, or background information used in reports or testimony will be made to the current standards accepted in the scientist's field(s) of expertise at the time of the analysis, and shall not be distorted or unduly sensational. Where the scientist engages in private practice, it is appropriate that he set a reasonable fee for his services. No services shall be rendered on a contingency fee basis. One scientist may reexamine evidence previously examined by another scientist. However, where a difference of opinion or conclusion arises, reasonable effort should be made by both analysts to resolve their conflict before the case goes to trial. Generally the principle of the "attorney-client" relationship applies to the work of a forensic scientist, except in a situation where a miscarriage of justice might occur-justice must be the guiding principle. A forensic scientist may advise an attorney regarding the direct and cross-examination, deposition, and interrogation of another forensic scientist provided that this service is performed in good faith, not maliciously, to prevent incompetent testimony. This service must not be used to thwart justice. The scientist who develops new methodology or techniques for use in forensic examinations and analyses should make reasonable efforts to inform his colleagues. If he determines that current methods are invalid or unreliable he should also report these results appropriately. The scientist shall not claim results and/or accomplishments that are not his own. Each scientist shall not misrepresent or distort the statements, results, reports, testimony, or work of his colleagues. Each scientist will respect the opinions, conclusions, reports, and testimony of his colleagues UNLESS he can prove that these opinions, conclusions, reports, or testimony are false or incorrect. The scientist should report violations of these guidelines in writing to the Executive Committee whenever the scientist is aware of the facts and circumstances of such a violation. The scientist will avoid reporting rumors and gossip.
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