Applying Codes and Guidelines - Essay Example

In the case study, there are several ethical violations which seem to occur and should therefore be addressed. Some of the practices indicate a total violation of the ethical codes that govern forensic psychologists (APA, 2002). Taking sides One important serious violation of these ethical codes is seen as Dr. Jones appears in court and presents and her report as an exhibit to the prosecutor which helps in sentencing Detainee Smith. It should be realized that as a forensic psychologist, Dr. Jones is not supposed to take any side at all in relation to the job she does.

In any case, the ethical standards of clinical psychologists totally differ from those of forensic psychologists. More importantly, the forensic psychologist should never act as an advocate for the client. Therefore on the part of Dr. Jones, there is a total disregard of this important ethical code. The decision by Dr. Jones to present the information as an exhibit which certainly means that she supports Detainee Smith’s prosecution is definitely a wrong move. This ethical violation is further worsened by Jones agreement to testify before the court of law using the very information she had obtained from Smith.

In this case, Dr. Jones has breached the very trust which Smith might have placed upon her in the process of granting her access to the personal information relating to the whole case. Informed Consent Another ethical violation is relates Dr. Jones obtaining information from Smith without the latter’s sufficient informed consent. It is seen that Dr. Jones actually overheard Smith making comments regarding the murder. Without the any consent from the detainee, Jones took this information straight and factored it within her report.

This is definitely a breach of the ethical standards relating to informed consent. Even though that information was very important and critical, it was very important for Dr. Jones to directly inquire from the detainee regarding the information and whether it was true of otherwise. It is this very information which was later presented before the court and subsequently led to the sentencing of Smith to death for first degree murder. Confidentiality Another violation of ethical standards in the case concerns the aspect of confidentiality.

Indeed, unlike clinical psychologists, forensic psychologists are normally required to assume a state of non-confidentiality. It is therefore quite important for Dr. Jones to make Smith aware of all the information she had obtained from him. More importantly, Detainee Smith should have been informed from the outset on the lack of confidentiality in relation to the information. In the same vein, the evaluation report plus all the information obtained should have been given to both parties and not only the prosecutor as seen in the case.

The defense attorney had the right to be granted the forensic evaluation report including all the information about the murder obtained from Detainee smith. Breach of Duty A breach of duty is seen in the character of Dr. Jones which certainly contradicts the APA ethical standards. Detainee Smith is actually Dr. Jones client and the latter is therefore under obligation to care. However, this is not the case as seen. The doctor is much concerned about getting much information about