Forensic Science Ethics: Developing an Integrated System of Support and Enforcement

This article reviews rules and codes adopted by operating agencies and professional societies which regulate the professional conduct of forensic scientists. The purpose, origin, and content of these codes are examined, with particular emphasis on their ability to address the major ethics-related problems confronting the field. The recently adopted ethics and management guidelines of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors are discussed as a major new policy having the potential of ensuring that benchworkers, managers, supervisors, and parent agency executives all subscribe to a common and comprehensive set of ethical standards.