Ethical Practice in Forensic Psychology

Abstract

Thoughts of forensic involvement evoke mixed reactions from psychologists. Some psychologists find forensic practice very appealing, others are extremely frightened by the prospect of being involved in the legal system, and still others fall somewhere in between. Psychologists involved in forensic practice perform wide-ranging professional services in varied settings, with a broad spectrum of referral sources and examinees. Yet, providing forensic services tends to be quite different from providing the clinical services for which most practitioners were trained. In forensic practice, psychologists are likely to confront competing expectations from the consumers of our services, the profession of psychology, and the guardians of public welfare. Successfully negotiating competing expectations in an adversarial context is required for both professional survival and the protection and benefit of those receiving services. Although psychologists who are drawn to forensic activities will undoubtedly face the unique ethical challenges associated with forensic practice, many psychologists with little or no interest in professional legal involvement will also find themselves thrust into the adversarial process and confronting ethical challenges for which they are not adequately prepared. The practice of psychology in forensic contexts can be both rewarding and challenging. Successful negotiation of the challenges can itself be rewarding. To establish ethical practices and successfully negotiate the challenges, psychologists involved in forensic practice activities must have both a personal commitment to maintaining high standards of ethical practice and the information and tools needed to achieve and maintain ethical practice. This book Introduction