Forensic Psychology: Ethics in Practice for Prison Psychologists

Solution Preview

Dear Student,
Hi and thank you for your patience. In this particular task, you are being asked to reflect on the ethics of a chosen field. I suggest sticking to this simple outline:

1. The profession - 150 words
2. Ethics role - 150 words
3. Importance of ethics and examples (2 examples) - 200 words
4. Insights, case sample - 200 words

This outline should yield 700 words which should cover what you need. Just let me know via the feedback section if you need further clarification. You can also use the listed resources to further explore the topic. All the best with your studies.

Sincerely,
AE 105878/Xenia Jones

Ethics in Practice

The field of forensic psychology is lies in that intersection of psychology as an applied science and the law. Specifically, the law is the 'stage' and sets the rules of its application as it is within the requirements, needs and remit (in the pursuit of justice) by which the science is applied. The American Board of Forensic Psychology explains this idea as follows (2014), "Forensic Psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. The word "forensic" comes from the Latin word "forensis," meaning "of the forum," where the law courts of ancient Rome were held. Today forensic refers to the application of scientific principles and practices to the adversary process where specially knowledgeable scientists play a role." It is important to note that the term 'adversary' here relates to 2 things - the notion that in court, ideas and claims are contested until one claim proves to have more weight and also to refer to the American system of court argumentation which is adversarial (a good number of countries, especially in Europe, i.e. Germany, have inquisitorial systems). In this particular field, my interest lies in being a practicing psychologist within the prison systems largely because I believe in the critical importance psychology plays in the management of behavior among prison inmates, preparing them for rehabilitation, and coming to understand their mental and behavioral state.

Additionally, I believe that within the pressures of the environment of prison and the roles they play, the staff members of a prison need all the help they can have to keep them mentally healthy to pursue their roles and balance this with a personal life outside of the prison environment. I believe that largely, the prison role I will have is that of a clinical psychologist. Known also contemporarily as a prison psychologist, this role falls within the remit of forensic psychology. This for example is the work of Dr. Alix McLearen (APA, 2008) who "is one of hundreds of psychologists who work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, an organization eager for more ...