ABSTRACT
Ethical dilemmas in forensic science may occur for a variety of reasons. The ideals of the profession may create inherent pressures. Ethical issues can make people feel stuck and leave them at a loss for decision-making. Sometimes, few options are available or appealing. People are required to make numerous choices each day, many of which have ethical components. As individuals we judge our own actions, as well as the actions of others, according to some standard. Forensic scientists encounter many occupational hazards regarding ethical behavior. The positions within forensic science are complex and come with high stress and public trust. The various forensic science disciplines have unique features that may contribute to unethical behaviors. Factors such as high public trust, role model positions, high stress, versatility of job positions, the need for coping mechanisms, and the potential for corruption are all possible sources of unethical behavior among those in the laboratory, at the crime scene, or in law enforcement.
