Around 2015 the National Committee on Forensic Sciences (NCFS) reached an opinion as to the use of the term “Reasonable Scientific Certainty”. It was their recommendation that this phrase no longer be used. The responsibility for new wording was passed to OSAC. From there it was passed to the section of the DOJ that develops Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports. Now, based on the recommendations from NCFS and OSAC the National Fire Protection Association’s Committee on Fire Investigation is looking to remove the “Level of Certainty” section from NFPA 921.

It has been 7-years and there has been no recommendation as to the language that should be used. It appears the responsibility for the development of the proper word has been lost as the responsibility for its development has been passed from agency to agency.

Starting as far back as 2019, and through September of 2022, the DOJ published Uniform Language For Testimony And Reports based on the suggestion from OSAC and NCFC.. They addressed they language for seventeen different disciplines. There was not one for fire and explosion investigations.

Now there is a effort to remove level of certainty from NFPA 921 without any suggestion for wording.

Is there anyone that knows the status of the development of acceptable wording.

Jim Mazerat
Forensic Investigations Group