ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 2

The Essential Commitment for a Forensic Scientist
Frank, RS
Chief, Forensic Sciences Section Office of Science and Technology Drug Enforcement Administration, DC

Abstract

Forensic scientists have a unique and essential role in the criminal and civil justice system. They examine physical evidence associated with an event or situation, develop and report facts associated with the evidence, and provide expert opinion regarding their observations. The facts and opinions, in and of themselves, do not establish the guilt or innocence of someone suspected of wrongdoing; however, they may be the primary information available to allow a conclusion of guilt or innocence to be drawn. The impact of the forensic scientist's conclusions affords no room for error, because such errors may be the direct cause of an injustice.

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Paper ID: JFS12319J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12319J
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