Chapter 16: Ethics for the Expert Witness

Ethics

The rules you internalize and use to measure your performance.

ethics

People need ______ to help maintain their balance, especially in difficult and contentious situations, and for guidance on their values. It also help you maintain self-respect and respect of those in your profession.

nothing to hide

One of the most effective mechanisms for protecting yourself at a personal level and a legal level is to have ______. This ethical position allows people to be self-critical and critical of others.

expert witness

As an _____, you can testify even if you weren’t present when the event occurred or didn’t handle the data storage device personally.

opinion shopping

The most effective way to prevent ____ is to require that the attorney retaining your services send you enough material on the case for you to make an evaluation.

disqualification

A ____ based on an ethical lapse could effectively be a death sentence for a career as an expert witness, as you can expect it to come up in any case you’re involved in.

cross-examination

An apparent change of position could be a subject for ______, and you must be able to explain what appears to be contradictory opinions, or you’ll be seen as tailoring testimony to your client’s needs.

International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners

Its Codes of Ethics and Professional Responsibility supply guidelines for its members on how they are expected to perform their duties as forensics examiners.

International High Technology Crime Investigation Association

It provides a detailed Code of Ethics of Professional Standards Conduct for its members. They values the Truth uncovered within digital information and the effective techniques used to uncover that Truth, so that no one is wrongfully convicted.

International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists

* It provides a well-defined, simple guide for expected behavior of forensics examiners.
* These standards follow the principles defined by other professional organizations for investigations and testimony.

Ethics Code

The _____ consists of standards that are enforceable rules for the conduct of psychologists and applies only to psychologists’ activities in scientific and professional functions that are psychological in nature.