Ethical Principles and Professional Competencies in Forensic Practice
Because of its uniqueness, perhaps no area of psychological practice receives more scrutiny than does Forensic psychology. Reports and testimony focusing on the opinions reached by the expert are open to both criticism and formal cross examination. The findings of forensic assessments often have profound effects on the lives of litigants, whether used to award or deny a parent custody of a child, to determine a financial verdict in a personal injury suit, or to deprive a defendant of his or her freedom. Forensic psychologists are expected to possess specialized knowledge of statutes and case law, familiarity with rules of evidence, and experience in administering forensic assessment and forensically relevant instruments, as well as traditional clinical psychological tests. The “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” (APA, 1992) is meant to apply to all areas of professional psychological activity. Because of the conflicts between the demands of the legal system and the “Ethical Principles,” forensic experts continually face conflicts and challenges in attempting to satisfy the needs of the court and the ethics of their profession. Herbert Weissman and Deborah DeBow discuss professional standards implicit in the competent professional practice of forensic psychology. They contend that legal competence is addressed through the application of ethical professional competency. In conforming one’s practice to the APA’s “Ethical Principles” and the “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists” (Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, 1991), professional competence is enhanced. They describe impediments and influences that impact ethical conduct, many of which derive from conflicts inherent in the relationship between psychology and the law. Weissman and DeBow offer ways to mediate such conflicts.
Because of its uniqueness, perhaps no area of psychological practice receives more scrutiny than does Forensic psychology. Reports and testimony focusing on the opinions reached by the expert are open to both criticism and formal cross examination. The findings of forensic assessments often have profound effects on the lives of litigants, whether used to award or deny a parent custody of a child, to determine a financial verdict in a personal injury suit, or to deprive a defendant of his or her freedom. Forensic psychologists are expected to possess specialized knowledge of statutes and case law, familiarity with rules of evidence, and experience in administering forensic assessment and forensically relevant instruments, as well as traditional clinical psychological tests. The “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” (APA, 1992) is meant to apply to all areas of professional psychological activity. Because of the conflicts between the demands of the legal system and the “Ethical Principles,” forensic experts continually face conflicts and challenges in attempting to satisfy the needs of the court and the ethics of their profession. Herbert Weissman and Deborah DeBow discuss professional standards implicit in the competent professional practice of forensic psychology. They contend that legal competence is addressed through the application of ethical professional competency. In conforming one’s practice to the APA’s “Ethical Principles” and the “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists” (Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, 1991), professional competence is enhanced. They describe impediments and influences that impact ethical conduct, many of which derive from conflicts inherent in the relationship between psychology and the law. Weissman and DeBow offer ways to mediate such conflicts.
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