Sala Grande - 19th IAFS World Meeting - 9th WPMO Triennial Meeting

Author(s): Max Houck
Institution(s): ANSER, VIRGINIA, USA
19 th IAFS WORLD MEETING
9 th WPMO TRIENNIAL MEETING
5 th MAFS MEETING
EDUCATION AS THE FOUNDATION OF GLOBAL FORENSIC SCIENCE
Abstract: Although the application of forensic science may vary by political jurisdiction and laws, the science of forensic science needs
to be universally grounded in theory, principles, and methods. If the scientific truth varies by jurisdiction, then forensic science, as a
discipline, is as negligent and incompetent as its worst critics describe it. Concepts of science, quality, and performance all begin with a
sound, comprehensive education in the sciences—forensic science is no different. Efforts at standardization and accreditation of
forensic science educational programs have been successful in the US and the UK; the interest in and subsequent volume of forensic
educational programs have necessitated this approach. For the rest of the world, the question remains: Is accreditation necessary? If
not, then can the discipline achieve standardization of its science through laissez-faire cooperation or is a more stringent approach
required? This presentation will discuss these issues and offer a hopeful outlook for the collaborative efforts in codifying forensic
science education.