ABSTRACT
Codes of ethics are institutional guidelines used to reinforce ethical conduct. Codes are the written rules governing behavior based on moral values. They contain mandatory provisions and target guidelines that help to lessen the burden of gray areas. Support of ethical behaviors by the profession is important in upholding codes of ethics. In 2014, the National Commission on Forensic Science (NCFS) and the Organization of Scientific Area Committees were launched to strengthen forensic science through the development of standards and guidelines. The need for codes of ethics is recognized by most organizations, although many are modifying the development of codes, so the resulting code is not too general. Forensic scientists have a responsibility to become familiar with the written codes that govern scientific behavior. Professional codes of ethics may differ in the specific language, yet there are similarities within the basic professional principles.
