Ethical Practice in Forensic Psychology

by Bush, Shane S.

• ISBN13: 9781591473954
• ISBN10: 1591473950
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-07-30
• Publisher: Amer Psychological Assn

Summary

While most psychologists working in forensic contexts aspire to practice in a manner consistent with the highest ideals of ethical practice, they face numerous and complex concerns and may be unclear about how to apply the Ethics Code and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists to their real-world issues. In Ethical Practice in Forensic Psychology, Shane S. Bush, Mary A. Connell, and Robert L. Denney explore common ethical dilemmas forensic psychologists may encounter in procedures including referrals, evaluations, documentation of findings and opinions, and testimony and termination. The authors present and apply a practical ethical-decision making model to timely case vignettes in the areas of civil, criminal, and child/family law to demonstrate how to approach the ethical challenges faced in forensic psychology; they also offer suggestions for addressing potential ethical misconduct by colleagues. This balanced and comprehensive volume will be a valuable add

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Introduction	3	(6)
The Interface of Law and Psychology: An Overview	9	(28)
Forensic Psychology in Civil and Criminal Contexts	10	(5)
The Adversarial Environment	15	(1)
The Need for Information on Ethics in Forensic Psychology	16	(1)
Applying General Bioethical Principles in Forensic Arenas	17	(2)
Applying Psychological Ethics in Forensic Arenas	19	(3)
Related Professional Guidelines	22	(1)
Consideration of Jurisdictional Laws	23	(4)
A Proposed Model of Ethical Decision Making in Forensic Psychology	27	(7)
Applying Appropriate Risk-Management Strategies in Forensic Practice	34	(3)
The Referral	37	(12)
The Retaining-Party/Examiner Relationship	37	(4)
Competence	41	(1)
Financial Arrangements	42	(2)
Case 1: Handling Referrals in Personal Injury Litigation	44	(5)
Collection and Review of Information	49	(10)
Bases for Opinions	50	(2)
Obtaining Information	52	(1)
Impartiality	53	(1)
Case 2: Background Information in Criminal Cases	54	(5)
The Evaluation	59	(32)
The Psychologist--Examinee Relationship	60	(1)
Informed Consent, Assent, and Notification of Purpose	60	(3)
Procedures and Measures	63	(11)
Legal Considerations in Methods Selection	74	(1)
Mandated Measures	74	(1)
Third-Party Observers	75	(5)
Cultural Diversity Considerations	80	(3)
Record or Peer Reviews	83	(1)
Case 3: Custody Issues in Family Law	84	(7)
Documentation of Findings and Opinions	91	(22)
Scope of Interpretation	92	(4)
Monitoring Self-Bias	96	(3)
Reports	99	(4)
Release of Raw Data	103	(6)
Feedback	109	(1)
Case 4: Anticipating Involvement in a Personal Injury Case	109	(4)
Testimony and Termination	113	(10)
Role Clarification	113	(1)
Accuracy	114	(1)
Attorney Tactics	115	(1)
Completion of the Case	116	(1)
Maintenance of Records	117	(1)
Case 5: Disclosure of Test Results in Criminal Cases	117	(6)
Addressing Ethical Misconduct	123	(16)
Framework for Addressing Perceived Ethical Misconduct	124	(6)
Case 6: Reporting Ethical Violations in Family Law Matters	130	(9)
Afterword	139	(2)
Appendix: Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct	141	(30)
References	171	(12)
Author Index	183	(4)
Subject Index	187	(8)
About the Authors	195