Engineering Ethics for Forensic and Expert Practice

Engineering Ethics in Forensic Product Failure Analysis is a 60‑minute, practice‑focused presentation addressing the ethical responsibilities of Professional Engineers engaged in forensic investigations, expert witness work, and litigation support involving materials and product failures. In forensic practice, ethical violations most commonly arise not from technical incompetence, but from overreach beyond one’s expertise, unsupported certainty, inadequate evidence handling, poor documentation, and failures to revise opinions when new information becomes available.

This presentation examines enforceable engineering ethics principles as they apply specifically to forensic product failure analysis. Topics include the Professional Engineer’s duty to protect public health, safety, and welfare; competence and scope discipline in expert engagements; responsible charge in forensic investigations; evidence preservation and destructive testing considerations; bias control and hypothesis testing; and the use of defensible, proportionate language in expert reports and testimony. The session also addresses conflicts of interest, documentation practices, and the ethical obligations triggered when post‑report data alters previously stated opinions.