Forensic Psychology Ethics Short Essay

Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology
Alakija Adeoluwa Adaeze
R2204D14360178
Current Perspectives in Psychology
7500 PSYSCI
9th December, 2022

The topic of ethics in forensic psychology is ongoing and constantly evolving. Defined by the
American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) (2008) as “The application of the science
and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system”,
forensic psychology is based off forensic research and its features (Maheswari and
Balasubramaniam, 2019, p. 47). Forensic psychology serves as a connection between psychology
and the law (Rocchio, 2020, pp. 124-134). This however means that several ethical dilemmas
will arise as a result of the intricacies of the law and its application to psychological functions of
the human mind. This essay will explore some of those ethical issues and attempt to suggest
possible management practices or solutions.
Forensic scientists in general are often faced with ethical issues in the courtroom, “including bias
on the part of forensic scientists, use of scientific jargons, use of confusing or deceptive
testimonies… and advocacy” (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6). Forensic psychologists are usually faced
with a similar dilemma. Rocchio (2020, pp. 124-134) states that, “many of the ethical issues
inherent in a forensic evaluation involving complex trauma and dissociation are common to
forensic psychological practice." Forensic psychologists must present well-researched and well-
documented information and conclusions, providing all available and necessary evidence without
misrepresentation or bias (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6).
A second major ethical issue arising from forensic psychology is the exaggeration of
professional credentials and qualifications by forensic psychologists, usually in an attempt to
impress jurisdictional bodies. These unethical misrepresentations are not often detected, due to
inefficient methods of validation and insufficient resources (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6). Psychologists
must avoid misrepresenting their credentials, while striving to maintain competence in their area
of specialty by keeping themselves updated with important information. A forensic psychologist

must be reasonably familiar with the rules associated with their roles, both legally and
professionally (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6).
Forensic psychologists are governed by a code of ethics which prevent them from legally
harming a client (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6). However, a physiologist might unintentionally harm a
client, as in the case of psychological review of a criminal for execution. The result of this
evaluation might result in the criminal being harmed, if they are found mentally competent and
of a sound mind (Shapiro, 2016, pp. 1-14). Psychologists must avoid all practices that might
violate the rights of others, but a circumstance like the above might pose an ethical dilemma for
the physiologist due to its nature.
In conclusion, psychologists are called to a profession of respect for the dignity and worth of all
people. The ethical issues that arise in forensic psychology are in a constant process of
management and elimination by the conformation of forensic psychologists to the APA Ethics
Code. Mental health practitioners must strive to stay updated in the legal field as it relates to their
practice, by research and training.

REFERENCES
American Board of Professional Psychology (2008). Retrieved from https://abpp.org/application-
information/learn-about-specialty-boards/forensic/
Maheswari, T. U., & Balasubramaniam, A. (2019). Forensic psychology (criminal
psychology). International Journal of Forensic Odontology, 4(2), 47.
https://www.ijofo.org/article.asp?issn=2542-
5013;year=2019;volume=4;issue=2;spage=47;epage=47;aulast=Uma
Rocchio, L. M. (2020). Ethical and professional considerations in the forensic assessment of
complex trauma and dissociation. Psychological injury and law, 13(2), 124-134.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-020-09384-9
Shapiro DL (2016). Ethical issues in forensic psychology and psychiatry. Ethics Med Public
Heal 1–14. doi:10.1016/j.jemep.2016.01.015
Yadav, P. K. (2017). Ethical issues across different fields of forensic science. Egyptian journal
of forensic sciences, 7(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-017-0010-1

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Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology

Alakija Adeoluwa Adaeze

Current Perspectives in Psychology

9th December, 2022

Balasubramaniam, 2019, p. 47). Forensic psychology serves as a connection between psychology

possible management practices or solutions.

misrepresentation or bias (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6).

professional credentials and qualifications by forensic psychologists, usually in an attempt to

of specialty by keeping themselves updated with important information. A forensic psychologist

professionally (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6).

the physiologist due to its nature.

practice, by research and training.

Maheswari, T. U., & Balasubramaniam, A. (2019). Forensic psychology (criminal

psychology). International Journal of Forensic Odontology, 4(2), 47.

Rocchio, L. M. (2020). Ethical and professional considerations in the forensic assessment of

complex trauma and dissociation. Psychological injury and law, 13(2), 124-134.

Heal 1–14. doi:10.1016/j.jemep.2016.01.015

of forensic sciences, 7(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-017-0010-1

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