Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists

Explain the relationship between the APA’s “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” and the AP-LS “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists’.”

Application: Specialty Guidelines and Ethical Codes
Note: The Application Assignment is to be completed before the Discussion question in Week 4.
Forensic psychology draws on the ethical codes and standards of the American Psychological Association to guide its professionals in ethical behavior in forensic settings. Due to the nature of forensic psychology and its intersection with the law, specialty guidelines for forensic psychology also are necessary. American Psychology-Law Society’s (AP-LS) “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists’” often are described as an extension of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” also known as the “Ethics Code.” Many of the AP-LS Specialty Guidelines have their basis in specific items from APA’s “Ethics Code.” As you review each set of codes and guidelines take note of the connections between the APA’s “Ethics Code” and their counterparts in AP-LS “Specialty Guidelines…” Ethical codes and guidelines are an important part of helping professions, such as forensic psychology.
To prepare for this assignment:
Review the APA’s “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” and the AP-LS’ “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists.” Consider the relationship between the two sets of standards/guidelines.
Consider why forensic psychology professionals might need specialty guidelines that are specific to forensic psychology.
Select three of the AP-LS Specialty Guidelines, to consider and review in depth. Think about how and where they might be applied and/or relevant to forensic psychology professionals.
The assignment (1–2 pages):
Explain the relationship between the APA’s “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” and the AP-LS “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists’.”
Briefly describe the three specialty guidelines you selected for this assignment (and cite its source) and provide concrete examples of where the guidelines might apply.
Share an insight or draw a conclusion based on your exploration of APA and AP-LS codes and specialty guidelines ethical codes.
Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.