CFC Ethics & Professional Responsibility in Forensics 2

Question 1

A forensic consultant discovers that the opposing party's expert has made a factual error in a report that actually benefits the consultant's client. What is the ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the error to the court in the interest of accuracy

Answer

A forensic consultant's duty to the court for truthfulness and accuracy supersedes any advantage to the retaining party.

Question 2

Which principle best describes the obligation of a Certified Forensic Consultant to maintain objectivity regardless of who is paying their fee?

Accepted Answer

Independent impartiality

Answer

Independent impartiality means the consultant's conclusions must be driven by evidence, not by the financial relationship with the retaining party.

Question 3

A forensic consultant is asked by an attorney to use a methodology that is not generally accepted in the scientific community but would support the client's position. The consultant should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse and explain that only accepted methodologies meet professional standards

Answer

CFC standards require forensic consultants to apply only generally accepted scientific methodologies, regardless of client pressure.

Question 4

When a forensic consultant realizes mid-engagement that the scope of work has expanded significantly beyond the original retainer agreement, the proper step is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the scope change and obtain a revised written engagement agreement

Answer

Documenting scope changes in a written amended engagement agreement protects both the consultant and the client and maintains professional clarity.

Question 5

A CFC consultant is retained as a testifying expert but later discovers they have a financial interest in the outcome of the case. They must:

Accepted Answer

Immediately disclose the conflict to retaining counsel and consider withdrawing

Answer

Material conflicts of interest must be disclosed promptly; failure to do so violates ethical standards and can disqualify the expert.

(CFC) Certified Forensic Consultant Practice Test

(CFC) Certified Forensic Consultant Practice Test

CFC Ethics & Professional Responsibility in Forensics 2