Introduction to Ethics and Morals
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Questions and Answers

What are the three main issues related to scientific misconduct discussed in the text?

  • Standards, Codes of Ethics, Management
  • Fabrication, Falsification, Plagiarism (correct)
  • National Academy of Sciences, National Commission on Forensic Science, Organization of Scientific Area Committees
  • Incompetence, Pressure, Ethics

Which of the following is NOT a reason cited for the existence of scientific fraud?

  • A lack of adequate training or resources (correct)
  • The understanding that scientific findings do not need to be reproducible
  • Career pressure to succeed
  • A belief in shortcuts and circumventing proper procedures

Who can determine the competence of a scientist?

  • Only other professionals in the same field
  • Judges, who are considered experts in scientific matters
  • Juries, as they are the ultimate deciders of guilt or innocence
  • All of the above, as well as the scientist themselves (correct)

Which of these factors is NOT mentioned as a potential pressure on scientists that may impact their work?

<p>Public scrutiny and media attention related to a case (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of ethics in scientific practice?

<p>To provide a framework for decision-making in complex ethical dilemmas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization released a report in 2009 that focused on strengthening forensic science in the United States?

<p>National Academy of Sciences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC)?

<p>To provide standards and guidelines for forensic disciplines (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text highlights that in the field of forensic science, achieving "completely objective analysis" is ____.

<p>Difficult, but achievable with proper training and procedures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the wrongful conviction of Jeffrey Todd Pierce?

<p>The deliberate misrepresentation of evidence by Joyce Gilchrist. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key ethical consideration for forensic scientists when presenting evidence?

<p>Objectively describing the evidence as it is, regardless of the outcome. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical issue raised by the case of William Richards?

<p>The change in Dr. Sperber's analysis of the bite mark evidence after his initial testimony. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT considered when determining the severity of a violation of the Code of Ethics and Conduct?

<p>Whether the violation was committed by a member of a professional organization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, which of the following actions is NOT recommended to maintain a good professional reputation?

<p>Focus on your duties and interests in the long term (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common thread connects the cases of Joyce Gilchrist and Fred Zain?

<p>Both faced scrutiny and accusations of ethical violations in their forensic practices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in ethical obligations between forensic scientists and attorneys?

<p>Forensic scientists are bound by scientific objectivity, while attorneys are focused on representing their clients' interests. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When determining the severity of a violation, the Board of Directors will consider whether the violation was knowing and intentional. What does this suggest about the Board's approach to ethical violations?

<p>The Board considers both intent and impact when assessing the severity of a violation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided text, which of these is NOT a significant source of ethical conflict in forensic science?

<p>The lack of effective legal representation for some defendants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is the primary goal of applying fundamental standards of science (Ethics) and personal integrity (morals) to ethical questions?

<p>To promote the betterment of the profession and of society (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the approach to ethical violations outlined in the provided content?

<p>Multiple factors are considered when determining the severity of an ethical violation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements BEST reflects the central conflict between science and law in the context of forensic evidence?

<p>The standards of evidence required in court are not always compatible with scientific rigor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crucial lesson can be learned from the cases of Joyce Gilchrist and William Richards?

<p>The need for ongoing review and scrutiny of forensic evidence and practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a commonly held belief about ethics training in forensic science?

<p>Forensic science education should prioritize practical skills over ethical considerations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following expectations of a forensic scientist reflects a commitment to social responsibility?

<p>Taking responsibility for their actions and their potential impact on others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge associated with teaching ethics in forensic science?

<p>The perception that ethics training is unnecessary due to the inherent integrity of forensic scientists. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why most ethics courses in forensic science are considered "general" and more philosophical?

<p>Limited resources and time constraints necessitate a broader approach to ethics education, covering general principles rather than specialized applications. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is formal education in ethics considered essential for forensic scientists?

<p>It provides a foundation for understanding and addressing the nature of ethical dilemmas specific to the field. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most prevalent type of individual misconduct in forensic science?

<p>Misrepresenting experience or qualifications. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the "Hired gun" approach and the "Friend" approach to representing a client?

<p>The &quot;Hired gun&quot; prioritizes winning the case above all else, while the &quot;Friend&quot; considers the client's ethical concerns. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a 'pressure' faced by forensic scientists in their role within the legal system?

<p>Unethical conduct by attorneys, leading to a lack of trust and collaboration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for attorneys to misuse evidence?

<p>They believe that the ends justify the means, regardless of the ethical implications. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The model rules of professional conduct for attorneys cover which of the following areas?

<p>Relationships, behavior, use of media, conflicts of interest, and the integrity of the profession. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are modern judges, juries, and attorneys often suspicious of expert testimony?

<p>They suspect that experts may be influenced by the attorney who hired them. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of the "Godfather" approach to legal advocacy?

<p>The lawyer prioritizes the client's best interests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that forensic scientists can resist pressure from attorneys?

<p>By refusing to provide testimony that contradicts their own findings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors are considered misconduct by attorneys?

<p>Making false promises to a client. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential ethical dilemma for law enforcement, as presented?

<p>The need to make informed choices within a legal framework can lead to ethical dilemmas, especially when considering the potential outcomes of those choices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can "police culture" impact ethical conduct within law enforcement?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the "CSI Effect" as explained in the content?

<p>The tendency of forensic science to be portrayed in a way that inaccurately exaggerates its capabilities, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key difference in ethical expectations between Forensic Science and Law Enforcement, as discussed in the provided text?

<p>Forensic scientists are required to remain unbiased in their work, while law enforcement personnel are not. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following presents a potential ethical conflict for attorneys, according to the text?

<p>The obligation to represent clients, even if their actions are morally questionable, potentially compromising personal values. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of pressure on forensic scientists, according to the text?

<p>The pressure to provide evidence that is consistent with the prosecution's case, even if it requires bending the truth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best summarizes the key ethical challenge faced by attorneys as presented in the text?

<p>The pressure to conform to the &quot;good lawyer&quot; ideal, which may conflict with the need to act as a good person. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible consequence of the lack of oversight and potential for mismanagement within forensic science, as mentioned in the text?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Expectation of Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists should be objective, honest, competent, and obey the law.

Ethics Training Challenges

There is a historical lack of ethics training in forensic science.

Misrepresentation

Common misconduct in forensics involves misrepresenting credentials or background.

Importance of Formal Education

Formal education in forensic science addresses the nature of the field, but not right from wrong.

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Teaching Ethics

Teaching ethics in forensic science can be complex due to ingrained beliefs about ethics.

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Fabrication

The act of creating false data or results in research.

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Plagiarism

Using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution.

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Incompetence

Lacking the necessary ability or skills for a task.

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Career Pressure

The stress or demand to succeed in one's job, potentially leading to unethical behavior.

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Ethics in Professional Behavior

Guidelines that define acceptable conduct in a profession.

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Quality Assurance

Processes to ensure a certain level of quality in services and products.

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National Academy of Sciences Report 2009

A report emphasizing the need for improved forensic standards in the US.

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Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC)

Group providing standards and guidelines for forensic science fields.

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Violation Classification

The classification of ethical violations as minor, serious, or egregious.

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Factors for Evaluation

Factors the Board considers for violation sanctions include pattern, intent, harm, etc.

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Intent and Knowledge

Whether the violation was committed knowingly and intentionally affects its severity.

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Acknowledgment and Remorse

Acknowledgment of violation and remorse can mitigate sanctions.

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Potential Harm Assessment

Evaluating whether the violation resulted in actual or potential severe harm to others.

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Hired Gun

An advocate who pleads a case with no regard for others' feelings.

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Godfather Concept

An attorney who directs clients on the case's direction.

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Client-Centered Advocate

An attorney who guides clients away from unethical actions.

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Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Standards established by ABA for attorneys' behaviors.

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Attorney Misconduct

Actions like fraud and evidence misrepresentation by lawyers.

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Forensic Scientist Pressures

Challenges faced by scientists from attorneys and clients.

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Bias in Expert Testimony

When experts are suspected of swaying opinions unfairly.

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Overcoming Forensic Pressures

Strategies for scientists to deal with external influences effectively.

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Grand Theft

The unlawful taking of someone else's property with intent to permanently deprive them of it.

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Drug Trafficking

The illegal trade of drugs or controlled substances.

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Discretion

The freedom to decide what actions to take in specific situations.

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Code of Silence

A cultural phenomenon where law enforcement officials protect one another from accountability.

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CSI Effect

The phenomenon where crime shows influence public expectations of forensic science.

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Ethical Obligations of Forensic Scientists

The moral responsibilities forensic scientists have towards accuracy, integrity, and objectivity.

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High Public Trust

The expectation that law enforcement officers will act ethically and responsibly.

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Pressure Sources for Forensic Scientists

The four influences on forensic scientists: law enforcement, judiciary, scientific community, personal ethics.

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Balancing Cultures

Finding harmony between conflicting cultural values.

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Forensic Scientist's Duty

To describe evidence as it actually is, without bias.

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Attorney's Duty

To present evidence in the most favorable light for the client.

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Science vs. Law

A conflict exists between objective science and subjective legal interpretation.

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Joyce Gilchrist

A forensic scientist whose faulty evidence led to wrongful convictions.

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Bitemark Evidence

A controversial forensic method that led to wrongful convictions.

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William Richards Case

Spent 19 years in prison due to unreliable bitemark evidence.

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Keith Allen Harward Case

Served 33 years in prison on flawed bitemark evidence.

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Study Notes

What is Ethics?

  • Ethics is a guiding philosophy
  • Ethical principles govern individuals and groups
  • Ethics deals with what is considered good and bad, moral duty, and obligations
  • Ethics defines proper behavior in personal and professional life
  • Ethics describes standards of behavior
  • Ethics should be specific to different groups and consider the impact of actions on others

Ethics vs. Morals

  • Morals are personal guidelines/values
  • Ethics are broader guidelines for groups
  • Ethics accounts for individual morals
  • Ethics provides guidance on how to live and conduct oneself
  • Ethics aims to protect individual and group rights, without dictating actions

Ethical Decision-Making

  • Understanding issues from multiple perspectives is crucial
  • Factors to consider:
    • Circumstances of the situation
    • Individuals involved
    • Potential consequences of actions (or inaction)
    • Ethical implications for the individual, profession, and overall ethical conduct
  • Four primary components:
    • Identifying moral issues
    • Understanding applicable standards
    • Recognizing the situation's magnitude and complexity
    • Willingness to make difficult decisions

Guiding Principles of Forensic Science

  • Professionals must use technically sound, reliable methods
  • Honesty is essential regarding qualifications, expertise, data, conclusions, and opinions
  • Objective review of evidence and testimony is required

Expectations of Forensic Scientists

  • Objectivity
  • Thoroughness in examinations
  • Honesty and trustworthiness
  • Competence and reliability
  • Staying up-to-date on current developments
  • Providing clear information
  • Efficiency
  • Adherence to the law
  • Taking social responsibility

Teaching Ethics in Forensic Science

  • Lack of ethics training in crime labs and forensic fields is a concern
  • Practitioners question how to best teach ethics within the field
  • Some believe that individuals with strong moral character enter the field, rather than formal training impacting their ethical behavior
  • Resources may be limited, causing training to focus on job-specific tasks, rather than ethics

Education in Forensic Science

  • Morals are learned and shaped from a young age
  • Factors influence moral development, including culture, family, and religious background
  • Informal education has potential shortcomings
  • Formal education must contain ethical considerations in discussions and scenarios that address the nature of forensic science

Misconduct in Forensic Science

  • Common issues include fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, fraud, and misrepresenting credentials
  • Concerns regarding competence and the necessity for reproducible results
  • Insufficient training in ethical procedures may contribute to problematic behavior

Competence

  • Experience and training are variable
  • Inconsistency exists
  • Uncertainty arises for other public figures/roles (judges, etc)
  • Credibility can be undermined by questionable self-determined competence
  • Complete objective analysis, reasonableness, and clarity are crucial

Ethics Importance

  • Learn standards and guidelines for personal/professional conduct
  • Understand what is acceptable and when not (avoiding inappropriate actions)
  • Professional cultures and influences
  • Avoiding problematic behavior to prevent conflict, increase public confidence

Standards and Learning From Mistakes

  • Learning from mistakes is crucial
  • Quality Assurance and Codes of Ethics are essential
  • Establishing management and general ideals in science
  • Requires a universal standard for ethics

National Standards in Forensic Science

  • National Academy of Sciences (NAS) created a standard for forensic science in 2009
  • A national code of ethics is recommended
  • The importance of enforcement mechanisms for ethical violations is emphasized (for certification process)
  • Separating forensic labs from law enforcement is recommended
  • National Commission on Forensic Science (NCFS) provided standards and guidelines

Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control

  • Quality assurance aims to prevent defects, using proactive methods
  • Quality control focuses on detecting defects, using reactive/product-based methods
  • The main goal for a quality assurance program is to instill credibility in the work and product

Competency v. Proficiency Testing

  • Competency tests evaluate individuals' ability prior to performance in field
  • Proficiency tests monitor/improve performance through testing

Type I and Type II Errors

  • Type I errors cause wrongful imprisonment
  • Type II errors cause wrongful release from prison

Conflicts of Interest

  • Occur when personal interests oppose professional obligations
  • Conflicts may involve exploiting positions, gaining personal benefits, or misusing power
  • Attorneys should not intentionally deceive the court nor use unethical means to achieve success in legal cases
  • Appropriate behavioral standards are required
  • Some attorneys act as "hired guns"
  • "Godfather" or "guru" roles involve advocacy that may not consider others' feelings
  • "Friend" roles place the client's needs first
  • Model rules of professional conduct govern attorney behavior
  • Misconduct includes fraud, false promises/threats, and suppressing evidence

Pressure and Conflicts in Forensic Science

  • Expert opinions that are overly optimistic
  • Situations where some find it hard to resist pressure to change or modify their testimony to favor a side
  • Conflicts that can arise from bias or potential wrongdoing
  • Suspicions that some experts may have to deal with bias from previous employment
  • Differences between attorneys and forensic scientists are problematic as scientific findings might be overstated
  • Issues of confidentiality

Wrongful Conviction Cases

  • Cases of unethical behavior in forensic science can result in an abundance of wrongful convictions
  • Overstatements and misreporting of data are common issues
  • Alterations to data and/or records can occur
  • Failing to report conflicting findings/not conducting further testing
  • Scientists might imply a match with an incorrect individual, or report improbable results

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Ethics in Forensics (CRCJ 4387-003) - Notes

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of ethics and morals, examining their definitions, differences, and implications on personal and professional behavior. It also covers ethical decision-making and the importance of considering various perspectives when faced with moral dilemmas.

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