Forensic Expert Witness Association: Code of Ethics

To establish and maintain confidence in the honesty, integrity, professionalism, and the ability of members of the Forensic Expert Witness Association is fundamental to the future success of the Association and its members. This Code and performance pursuant to its provisions will be beneficial to the public good and contribute to the continued development of a mutually beneficial relationship among members, and their clients.

FEWA seeks to work closely with all segments of the legal and consulting industry to protect and enhance the interests of the public. To this end, members of the Association have adopted and, as a condition of membership, subscribe to this Code of Professional Ethics. By doing so, they give notice that they clearly recognize the vital need to preserve and encourage fair and equitable practices among all who are engaged in the practice of forensic consulting.

Code of Ethics:

Members shall refrain from conduct or practice which will discredit this association or the practice of forensic consulting.
Members shall at all times impartially conduct business and personal activities with knowledge of and in compliance with governing laws and regulations pertaining to their individual professional discipline.
Members shall expeditiously perform forensic services with due care, competence, and diligence only in the fields of their expertise.
Members shall utilize standards and controls to provide services in a professional and scientific manner, and in doing so shall conduct objective examinations and analysis and be truthful in reports, statements and testimony.
Members shall not untruthfully criticize or misrepresent the services of others, nor shall they intentionally attempt or otherwise encourage to injure through malicious or false acts, either directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice or employment of another member or peer.
Members shall not attempt to obtain personal aggrandizement or business engagements by untruthfully exaggerating, embellishing or otherwise misrepresenting their credentials and/or qualifications.
Members shall not permit themselves to be compromised by conflicts of interest with clients or allow the influence of others to override their objectivity.
Members shall respect the confidentiality of information acquired during the performance of their service(s) and shall not disclose to a third party any confidential or proprietary information without appropriate and specific authorities.

Enforcement

Any violation of the obligations of this Code shall be determined in accordance with and pursuant to the terms of the bylaws and rules and regulations of the Association. Disciplinary action for violation of any portion of this Code shall be carried out by the Association in accordance with the bylaws and rules and regulations established by the Association. The result of such disciplinary action shall be final and binding upon the affected member, and without recourse to the Association, its officers, board members, members, employees, or agents.