Dual-use dilemma
Definition
The situation where the same data or method that helps forensic scientists identify illegal trade could also help traffickers design around the detection method, creating a tension between scientific openness and operational security.
Related terms
- Advocate expert
- An expert who argues a position in the interests of the retaining party rather than providing an objective assessment. Considered unethical in...
- Confidential informant intelligence
- Information derived from a source whose identity must be protected. In forensic practice, this intelligence may inform what a scientist is asked...
- Impartiality
- The obligation of a forensic expert to present findings honestly regardless of which party benefits. Impartiality does not mean ignoring the context...
- Neutral expert (court's expert)
- An expert whose primary duty is to assist the court with scientific matters, regardless of who is paying. In several jurisdictions, this...
- SWFS code of ethics
- The Society for Wildlife Forensic Science's professional conduct rules, requiring honesty, transparency about limitations, impartiality, refusal of inappropriate pressure, and separation of...
Explained in
- Ethics and the Forensic Scientist in Wildlife CasesThe situation where the same data or method that helps forensic scientists identify illegal trade could also help traffickers design around the detection metho...