ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1983
Page Count: 5

Ethical Considerations in Forensic Science Services
Guttenplan, HL
Former professor of Administration of Justice, College of Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, PA

Kates, JH
Ph.D. candidate, Planning and Development, Pennsylvania State University, PA

(Received 16 December 1982; accepted 11 March 1983)

Abstract

Forensic science has for a long time been the gateway through which many criminal investigations have traveled towards their eventual destination. The availability and use of forensic science services have been previously discussed in several studies, which revolve around the diverse problems of geographical areas. However, the reports have largely been confined to statistics regarding the laboratories and their related interactions with law enforcement agencies. A strategic question that has been left untouched is the availability and even the existence of truly neutral forensic science services in the United States. To what extent are forensic science services available equally to the police, prosecution, and defense? What, if any, are the influences that could affect the availability and reliability of forensic science services? These influences, if not properly accounted and controlled for, could ultimately affect the continued assimilation process of forensic science and the criminal justice system.

Keywords:
forensic science, jurisprudence, ethics

Paper ID: JFS11606J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11606J
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