Behind the Evidence: The Unseen Ethical Struggles in Forensic Work
Forensics is often considered to be the voice of truth, because facts have a higher rank than opinions in the profession. But every piece of evidence has a backstory. Frequently, forensic scientists must strike a difficult balance between telling the truth, maintaining dignity for the victims, and attempting to console grieving family members.
Forensic science is about objectivity. What does it mean if the public hears about the victim's addictions, traumas, or mental health issues? While the law may force openness, ethical conduct requires feelings and compassion. Most forensic cases include individuals incapable of providing free and informed consent, especially dead or highly traumatized individuals. Ethical principles require professionals to conduct themselves with respect, transparency and an understanding of moral obligation to the individual and the loved one. The law may allow forensic testing in certain circumstances, but it does mean that you should or ought to test.
Law enforcement might pressure forensic professionals to "lean" in a certain way, but people don't always consider the long-term impact of unconscious bias. Unconscious bias is the tendency to see data in a partisan way that confirms a prior belief. Forensic experts must consistently apply the accepted scientific method, consider the definition of bias as unconscious, declare constraints/conflicts/opinions in their recommendations, suggest future research unlike a courthouse friend. Forensic experts must do this to preserve justice.
While forensic scientists play a crucial role in the justice system, their responsibilities go beyond the courtroom and laboratory. Their choices can change public perception, verdicts in court, and people's lives. Thus, at every stage of forensic science from evidence collection to autopsy, there must be a consideration of morality.
Forensic science ethics go beyond textbooks, and they are relatable to the real world. Which ethical dilemmas do you find most challenging in the field of medicine and forensics? Professionals are caught between wanting to comply with the law, demand for justice, and the need for privacy. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts! Let’s unlock a deeper understanding of the implications of science.
