—从基本原则视角重新审视法庭科学的本质

【摘要】与其他更成熟的学科不同，人们对法庭科学的本质尚缺乏共识和广泛认可，其目的和基本原则仍然缺失，甚至被歪曲。虽然许多法庭科学先辈都认识到这一点，并将其视为学科发展之关键所在，但这种基础研究却长期受到忽视。《悉尼宣言》试图超越组织、技术和规程的视角，通过研究其基础理论，重新审视法庭科学的本质。它的内容包括法庭科学的定义和七项基本原则，强调了现场痕迹在案件调查中的关键作用。《悉尼宣言》还讨论了法庭科学家工作的关键特征，包括案情、时间不对称性、一系列不确定性、广泛的科学知识、伦理、批判性思维和逻辑推理等。《悉尼宣言》认为这些原则应成为法庭科学执业的基础，并指导其教育和研究方向。最终，这些原则将使法庭科学在整体上更加相关、有效和可靠。

【关键词】痕迹；原则；符号；线索；案情；时间不对称性；不确定性；伦理；批判性思维；逻辑推理【中图分类号】D918.9

【文献标识码】A

【文章编号】1674-1226(2023)04-0498-15

The Sydney declaration–Revisiting the essence of forensic science through its fundamental principles.

Claude Roux,Rebecca Bucht,Frank Crispino,Peter De Forest,Chris Lennard,Pierre Margot,Michelle D.Miranda,Niamh NicDaeid,Olivier Ribaux,Alastair Ross,Sheila Willis,Translated by He Xiaodan,Zhang baosheng,China University of Political Science and Law,Beijing 100088.

【Abstract】Unlike other more established disciplines,a shared understanding and broad acceptance of the essence of forensic science,its purpose,and fundamental principles are still missing or mis-represented. This foundation has been overlooked,although recognized by many forensic science forefathers and seen as critical to this discipline's advancement.The Sydney Declaration attempts to revisit the essence of forensic science through its foundational basis,beyond organizations,technicalities or protocols.It comprises a definition of forensic science and seven fundamental principles that emphasize the pivotal role of the trace as a vestige,or remnant,of an investigated activity.The Sydney Declaration also discusses critical features framing the forensic scientist’s work,such as context,time asymmetry,the continuum of uncertainties,broad scientific knowledge,ethics,critical thinking,and logical reasoning.It is argued that the proposed principles should underpin the practice of forensic science and guide education and research directions.Ultimately,they will benefit forensic science as a whole to be more relevant,effective and reliable.

【Key Words】Trace；Principles；Signs；Clues；Context；Time asymmetry；Uncertainties；Ethics；Critical thinking；Logical reasoning