U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert

Avoidance of Ethical Violations

Avoidance of Ethical Violations
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Ethical violations that may affect an expert's testimony must obviously be avoided.

Examples include:

  • Falsifying or altering data.
  • Improperly or incompletely performing the investigation or testing.
  • Conditionally engaging the expert (threatening retaliation).
  • Providing false testimony.
  • Intentionally ignoring available data.
  • Recanting prior counter positions.
  • Engaging in assignments beyond one's competence.
  • Accepting unauthorized attorney influence.
  • Providing inadequate support or time to complete the assignment.
  • Reaching a conclusion before the research is completed.
  • Permitting conflicts of interest.
  • Producing fraudulent credentials.
  • Making payment contingent on desired testimony.

Back Forward