ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

The Role of the Forensic Scientist in the Application of Chemical Tests for Alcohol in Traffic Law Enforcement
Biasotti, AA
Manager/criminalist, Bureau of Forensic Services, CA

(Received 16 September 1983; accepted 25 April 1984)

Abstract

The role and ethical responsibilities of the forensic scientist are reviewed. The context of this discussion includes the application and support of chemical tests for alcohol statutes in the United States adversary system of justice. The goal of this review is to stimulate awareness among the various participants (that is, scientist, prosecutor, defense counsel, judges, and law enforcement officials) in traffic law enforcement situations. Their mutual understanding and cooperation is essential to the effective and efficient use of chemical test procedures. The relative scientific weight that should be given to blood, breath, and urine tests for alcohol is presented.

Keywords:
criminalistics, jurisprudence, breath-alcohol testing devices, witnesses

Paper ID: JFS11785J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11785J
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