ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

Ethical Concerns Expressed by Forensic Psychiatrists
Weinstock, R
Associate clinical professor of psychiatry and medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, CA

(Received 25 May 1985; accepted 12 August 1985)

Abstract

A survey was made of American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) forensic psychiatrists to evaluate whether there is concern among them about potential ethical problems in criminal justice work. Of the respondents, 93.8% had encountered such problems. The main concerns indicated were about those psychiatrists who become a “hired gun,” become an advocate, do not give an honest opinion, or have problems with confidentiality. The need for ethical guidelines and further debate about ethical issues is presented.

Keywords:
psychiatry, ethics, bias, confidentiality, forensic psychiatrists, criminal justice work, privacy, doctor-patient privilege, advocacy, death penalty, right to treatment, right to refuse treatment, dangerousness, indeterminate sentence, rehabilitation

Paper ID: JFS12291J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12291J
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