When it comes to forensics, psychologists must be familiar with judicial rules as well as administrative rules. This includes areas such as clinical forensic examiners, researchers who provide expert testimony on a psychological issue, and practitioners who are called to appear before court as fact witnesses (Fisher, 2013). It is important to know these rules if you are called to court for example, because you want to be sure you know what you can, or cannot say that could interfere with the court case. This includes knowing “federal rules of evidence regarding case law and expert testimony” (Fisher, 2013, pg. 75).
Forensic evaluations are an important part of the
trial because this information could determine the plea of defendant. It is
important for someone conducting the evaluation to be aware of the techniques
that they can or cannot use because it may be inappropriate (Fisher, 2013). The
book states that psychologist doing competency evaluations should be aware that
the term “insanity” is defined differently based on the jurisdiction (Fisher,
2013). This is important to know because they should know who is considered “insane”
before they take the stand and speak about someones mental state.
Sometimes psychologists could be asked to be a fact
witness in court by providing records or testifying about one of their clients
who is currently seeking treatment, or has received treatment. The
psychologists’ role in court is not to testify on the behalf of the client, but
rather to provide facts and information regarding the mental state or treatment
the patient is receiving. It is the psychologists’ duty to know the rules as
their forensic role in the courtroom, even if they were unaware that their work
would be used in a legal setting (Fisher, 2013).
“In emergencies, when psychologists provide services
to individuals for whom other mental health services are not available and for
which psychologists have not obtained the necessary training, psychologists may
provide such services in order to ensure that services are not denied”(Fisher,
2013, pg. 78). Standard 2.02 recognizes in these circumstances, this must be
done to prevent harm and make sure that services are not denied to anyone. Once
the emergency is over then the services must end and be referred somewhere
where the appropriate services are available” (Fisher, 2013).
In the book it mentions examples such as 9/11. In this case there may have been a shortage
of psyhchologist who specializes in PTSD that needed to treat patients suffering
from the events of the attack. It is acceptable in this case for a psychologist
treating similar disorders to temporarily see a client needing emergency treatment.
After the emergency is over, the psychologist could then have the client seek
treatment somewhere where a different psychologist could better counsel them.
Standard 2.03 recognizes that it is also important
for psychologist to maintain their competence by continuing to learn new areas,
and expand the knowledge of the areas they are competent in (Fisher, 2013). With society and
technology changing so fast, it is important to be up to date on the new
information or techniques used in the particular field you are working in.
There are always a lot of changes and things that evolve so psychologist must be aware of these
changes and/or requirements.
I think so many people want to take it all on, but really we are doing clients and the courts a disservice if we are not well trained and versed in the forensic world, and we become involved in it...
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