ABSTRACT
Forensic science enters its second century with a variety of warning lights flashing. Challenges faced by forensic science practitioners include the necessity of establishing the scientific basis for their practice, the need to examine routine procedures to identify possible sources of investigator bias, and the need to understand how well-meaning and well-trained forensic science practitioners may nonetheless be employing an ethical framework that leads to noble cause corruption. Additionally, the Justice Department’s Sentinel Event Review approach to identifying sources of systemic weakness may signal a paradigm shift in the practice of forensic investigation.
