Psychology And The Legal System 562515

Psychology and the Legal System © 2013 Argosy University Assault in the City

Psychology and the Legal System © 2013 Argosy University

Assault in the City

The chief asks Dr. Johnson to conduct a competency to stand trial (CST) evaluation and a criminal responsibility evaluation, referred to as the mental state at the time of an offense (MSO), of the defendant. Dr. Johnson must report her findings to the court. She has already seen media publicity suggesting the prosecutor is going to play “hard ball” and wants to try the young man as an adult and seek the longest possible prison sentence.

The chief recommends a CST evaluation and an MSO evaluation so, as he says, “nothing will come back to bite them” after the trial. Although she finds the young man’s alleged behavior reprehensible, she feels confident she can conduct an objective evaluation. She has interviewed the individual and understands his low intelligence quotient (IQ) and dysfunctional family background as mitigating factors. Although she does not wish to advocate for the defendant, she feels he may not be competent to go to trial. She prepares to conduct the CST and MSO evaluations.

However, the day before the examination is scheduled, her fifteen-year-old daughter tells her the man was a “friend” on her computer social network. She recognized his face from the news and told her mother after her mother mentioned she was working on this case. The daughter denies having ever met the man and states her page is set so “anyone can be my friend; it doesn’t mean I know them!” Dr. Johnson must now conduct the evaluations objectively, although she feels her daughter may have been threatened. She realizes this connection is insufficient to withdraw from the case.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario involving Dr. Johnson highlights several critical ethical, professional, and procedural issues confronting forensic psychologists working within the criminal justice system. The core challenge revolves around maintaining objectivity and integrity amidst potential personal conflicts, media influence, and the complexities of a defendant with mitigating factors that could impact competency and criminal responsibility. This analysis explores these issues, emphasizing ethical standards, professional responsibilities, and solutions for managing such dilemmas effectively.

First, the principle of objectivity is fundamental to forensic psychological practice. According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2017), psychologists should avoid conflicts of interest that could impair their objectivity. In this case, Dr. Johnson faces a potential bias stemming from her emotional response to her daughter's social media connection with the defendant. Recognizing this, she acknowledges her need to remain impartial despite personal feelings. This scenario underscores the importance of maintaining neutrality, especially when external factors could cloud judgment, such as familiarity or potential threats to confidentiality or safety.

Second, confidentiality and professional boundaries are at the forefront. Dr. Johnson's awareness of her daughter's social media connection to the alleged offender raises questions about confidentiality and boundary management. While social media connections may not constitute a direct breach of confidentiality, professionals must be cautious about personal disclosures or connections that could influence evaluation impartiality. The dilemma is compounded by her concern that her daughter may have been threatened, which introduces a potential safety risk and influences Dr. Johnson’s obligations to ensure ethical conduct while protecting the interests of all parties involved.

Third, the role of media publicity cannot be underestimated. Media exposure can shape public perception and potentially bias the evaluator, the court, or the jury. Forensic psychologists are tasked with providing objective, evidence-based assessments that are free from external influence. The media’s portrayal of the defendant and the case may predispose the evaluator to unintended biases, consciously or unconsciously. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere strictly to assessment protocols and separate personal or societal perceptions from objective findings.

In addressing such conflicts, several strategies are recommended. First, Dr. Johnson should disclose her potential conflict of interest to the court and her supervising authorities, following ethical guidelines to maintain transparency. If the conflict is deemed significant enough to impair impartiality, a recusal from the case might be warranted. Second, she should document her decision-making process carefully, outlining her considerations and steps taken to mitigate bias. This documentation is vital in demonstrating adherence to ethical standards and maintaining professional integrity.

Furthermore, supervision or peer consultation can be invaluable. Consulting with colleagues about her concerns or seeking supervision can provide additional perspectives and support. These practices help ensure that evaluations are conducted ethically and professionally, even under complex circumstances. Additionally, it is essential for Dr. Johnson to follow standardized assessment procedures and avoid extraneous factors influencing her judgment.

Finally, managing personal emotions and biases is an ongoing challenge in forensic psychology. Techniques such as mindfulness, reflective practice, and maintaining clear boundaries are essential. Cultivating self-awareness allows clinicians to recognize when personal feelings might cloud objectivity and take appropriate steps to mitigate this influence.

In conclusion, forensic psychologists like Dr. Johnson are tasked with conducting objective evaluations under complex and often emotionally charged circumstances. Ethical principles emphasize the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to professional standards. When personal or external factors threaten to interfere, transparency, supervision, and self-awareness are critical tools for ensuring integrity and safeguarding the justice process. Addressing these dilemmas thoughtfully ensures that forensic assessments remain credible and serve the interests of justice effectively.

References

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