Behavioral Interpretations

Psychologists working in service of the legal system are often called to address complex legal questions while being mindful of the ethical considerations when working in a forensic role. This article briefly outlines ethical guidelines for best practice for forensic practitioners, case law that allows forensic psychologists to testify in legal proceedings as experts, and the various referral questions (i.e., competency, risk) addressed by clinical forensic psychologists. Specific methodologies and psychological measures employed in clinical forensic psychology are also reviewed.