Understanding Forensic Codes of Ethics and Training

Codes of Ethics

Guidelines for acceptable behavior in specific contexts.

Acceptable behaviour

Actions considered appropriate within a given ethical framework.

Tailored guidelines

Customized rules reflecting specific needs and values.

Purpose of Codes

To establish standards and promote ethical conduct.

Ethical Principles

Guidelines for decision-making in conflicts.

Honesty

Truthfulness in all professional interactions.

Integrity

Adherence to moral and ethical principles.

Confidentiality

Protection of sensitive information from disclosure.

Qualifications

Necessary credentials for specific professional roles.

Competence

Ability to perform job duties effectively.

Objectivity

Decision-making based on facts, not feelings.

Professional Competence

Working within one's area of expertise.

Clear Testimony

Providing unbiased and factual statements in court.

Conflicts of Interest

Situations where personal interests may affect decisions.

Bias Avoidance

Eliminating influence, real or perceived, in decisions.

Forensic Training

Education in forensic principles and practices.

Continuing Education

Ongoing training to enhance professional skills.

Quality Management

Systematic approach to ensure service quality.

Quality Assurance

Processes ensuring products meet quality standards.

Quality Control

Monitoring techniques to maintain quality standards.

Proficiency Testing

Assessing staff and lab capabilities regularly.

Educational Institutions

Colleges and universities offering forensic programs.

Professional Skills

Skills necessary for effective forensic practice.

Personal Attributes

Traits like integrity essential for forensic work.

Technical Working Group

Advisory group for forensic education standards.

Laboratory Coursework

Hands-on training in forensic laboratory techniques.

On-the-job Training

Practical experience gained in a work environment.

Client Satisfaction

Meeting client needs while maintaining quality standards.

Internal Tests

Conducted within the laboratory or workplace.

External Tests

Samples sent from outside organizations for testing.

Blind Tests

Participants unaware of being tested.

Accreditation

Recognition of competence in testing standards.

ISO 17025

Standard for testing and calibration laboratories.

ISO 17020

Standard for inspection bodies.

ASCLD/LAB

Accreditation for forensic laboratories.

Canadian Standards Council

Organization for standardization in Canada.

Certification

Recognition of individual competence in a field.

Corrective Action

Steps taken to rectify identified errors.

Timely Reporting

Immediate communication of errors to prevent recurrence.

Potential Errors

Various issues that can affect test results.

Equipment Failure

Malfunction of tools used in testing.

Contamination of Evidence

Unwanted substances affecting sample integrity.

Sample Switch

Incorrect samples analyzed during testing.

Continuity Errors

Failure to track evidence properly.

Incorrect Information

Errors in data reported from tests.

Loss of Evidence

Physical loss of samples during testing.

Root Cause Analysis

Investigation to identify the source of issues.

Corrective Action Plan

Strategy to address identified problems.

Implementation of Plan

Executing the corrective action strategy.

Evaluation of Solution

Assessing the effectiveness of corrective actions.

Sample Mix Up

Misidentification of samples leading to errors.

DNA Evidence

Biological material used to identify suspects.

Sexual Assault

Non-consensual sexual act against an individual.

Case File Documentation

Records of all information disclosed in cases.

Full Disclosure Requests

Legal demands for all case-related information.

Cross-Examination

Questioning of a witness by the opposing party.

Professionalism in Emails

Maintaining a formal tone in written communication.

Biased Testimony

Witness opinion influenced by personal beliefs.

CFS

Forensic Science used in criminal investigations.

Ketosis

Metabolic state due to insufficient insulin.

Morbid Obesity

Severe obesity impacting health and life expectancy.

Toxicologist

Expert in the effects of chemicals on health.

Freedom of Information Requests

Public requests for access to government-held information.

Professional Online Profile

Maintaining a separate identity for work-related activities.

Professional Email Guidelines

Standards for writing effective and formal emails.

Unprofessional Email Example

Email containing inappropriate language or sentiment.

Accused Representing Himself

Defendant chooses to defend without legal counsel.

Discrepancy in Test Results

Inconsistency between different scientific test outcomes.

Witness Stand Duration

Time spent testifying in a legal proceeding.

Judicial Bias Allegation

Claim that a judge shows favoritism in a case.

Professional Closure

Ending emails with a formal sign-off.

Social Media Impact

Potential consequences of online behavior on professionalism.

Case Example of Bias

Situation illustrating perceived unfairness in legal proceedings.

Email Subject Line Importance

Essential for summarizing email content clearly.