What are some of the challenges faced by forensic psychologists?
Top 5 Challenges Forensic Psychologist Expert Witness May Face
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There is enormous growth in the research and training of forensic psychologists, along with special techniques and tools, furthering fairness and justice.
In addition to analysing behaviours and understanding criminal motives, the courts allow forensic experts to testify as client witnesses. However, it leads to several complications, including bias, favouritism and several conflicts, adding more to a myriad of ethical and legal issues for forensic psychologists.
This blog examines the stemming reasons for bias in the practice of forensic psychology and offers guidelines for forensic psychologists who offer services as expert witnesses.
The Forensic Bible for Ethics
Forensic Psychologists are frequently required to serve as witnesses in tribunals and courts — a job that requires particular expertise, skill and judgment that is often overlooked.
Thus, forensic experts can provide expert testimony regarding a person’s capacity to stand trial, whether the defendant committed the crime due to a mental disability, whether the defendant needs treatment and other issues. However, some ethical principles pin forensic psychology experts’ practice. These include:
- The Justice Principle demands that psychologists be fair and impartial, no matter what.
- They must only form opinions on someone they have evaluated or assessed.
- Their opinion must be created by assessment and supported by evidence
- Multiple Relationships demands that psychologists do not have any prior relationships with their patients because it hinders their ability to remain unbiased.
- Non-Maleficence demands that psychologists make sure they do not offer opinions outside their professional expertise because it can lead to harm.
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