Question

Mark works as a freelance forensic scientist. he accepts cases on a contingency basis, which means that he is paid if a guilty verdict is returned based on the evidence he processes. which of the guiding principles has mark violated? mark has violated the guiding principle, which states that forensic scientists should refuse any cases on a contingency fee basis.

Answer 1

This statement is true.

A contingency fee is a method of paying someone ( for example a lawyer or a scientist ,) in which no money is paid until a particular aim is achieved. In other words, the lawyer will only get paid if he wins the case.

Mark is a forensic scientist. To agree to be compensated for his work through contingency fees presents him with a potential conflict of interest and work ethics. This should be avoided in his profession and it is marked as a guiding principle to be obeyed.

Mark would have a financial incentive to provide a forensic opinion that is favorable to his client ( only then he would be paid for his work). This is seen as a threat to impartiality, the forensic may use the evidence in a way that favors the positive outcome of the case. This is strictly prohibited as all medical ( forensic ) opinions should be based on facts only and not to be influenced by any kind of reward or personal gain obtained through them.