CIFDE

WE SUBSCRIBE TO A CODE OF ETHICS FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE

1. No member shall solicit or accept any gift in any form under circumstances where it might be inferred that the gift was intended as a reward to influence him/her while acting in an official capacity .
2. No member shall improperly disclose confidential information regarding other members or the activities of the
3. Members shall not attempt to use their membership to obtain unjustified benefits, privileges, or exemptions for themselves or others.
4. Unauthorized public statements representing the CIFDE is forbidden
5. It shall be deemed both ethical and proper for a member to bring violations of the Code of Ethics to the attention of the institute (CIFDE).
6. Members are to apply accepted scientific principles and logic in the solution of all document problems and to follow the truth courageously.
7. To render an opinion or conclusion strictly in accordance with the physical evidence in the document, and only to the extent justified by the facts. To admit frankly that certain questions cannot be answered because of the nature of the problem, the lack of material, or insufficient opportunity for examination
8. To express opinions in written reports in simple, precise and unambiguous terms and to use simple terms when presenting evidence.
9. To maintain objectivity at all times and not take examinations beyond the limits of one’s expertise. If a particular investigation requires the use of a novel method, the status of that method should be identified and explained.
10. Where applicable, the physical results of tests, field notes, test notes, reports and photographs should be retained until at least the conclusion of any relevant legal proceedings, including any additional periods of appeal as determined by law.
11. To maintain confidentiality of information received and not make inappropriate disclosures.
12. Not to undertake examinations on a contingency basis.
13. To make technically correct and conservative statements in all written or oral reports, testimony, public addresses or publications, and to avoid misleading or inaccurate claims.
14. To act at all times (both in and out of court) in an absolutely impartial manner and to do nothing that would imply partisanship or any interest in the case except to prove the facts and prove them correctly consistent with membership of a skilled profession and to treat colleagues with due respect and avoid inappropriate criticism of them.
15. Written or oral reports, testimony, public addresses or publications, and to avoid misleading or inaccurate claims.
16. To act at all times (both in and out of court) in an absolutely impartial manner and to do nothing that would imply partisanship or any interest in the case except to prove the facts and prove them correctly consistent with membership of a skilled profession and to treat colleagues with due respect and avoid inappropriate criticism of them.
17. Where applicable, to abide by the Expert Evidence Rules Code of Conduct of the relevant jurisdiction.
18. To maintain a constant spirit of fairness, combined with high ethical, education and technical standards, thereby promoting justice and creating increased confidence in the profession of document examination; and by exemplary conduct and scientific thoroughness carry out the aims and ideals of this Institute. It is the duty of each member to serve the purposes of the Institute, to observe its by-laws, and to be governed by this Code of Ethics.