ETHICAL ISSUES IN FORENSIC ACTIVITY
Abstract:
Forensic activity must comply with the general medical deontological principles, but also has
some particular features, that derive from its specific role - to serve justice. This paper analyses the
main coordinates of forensic professional ethics, with special reference to the relation of the forensic
pathologist with the patient, with other health professionals, with justice and society. We emphasized the
specific elements that individualise forensic deontology, concerning mainly classified information, the
dual loyalty of the forensic pathologist - towards the patient and justice, the status of the recommended
expert vs. the official expert and also, the particular aspects of forensic autopsy and forensic psychiatric
evaluation. Based on this analysis, we found that a deontological code of ethical conduct in forensic
activity is needed, serving as a guide for all the professionals that work in this domain
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