The Ethical Problems in Forensic Psychological Expert Evaluation: A View from Modern Russia

• Main Authors: Alla V. Shaboltas, Sergey V. Gorbatov, Elena N. Arbuzova, Maria V. Khaleeva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University 2020-03-01
• Series: Psychology in Russia: State of Art
• Subjects: ethical problems; forensic psychological evaluation; expert opinion; professional competence
• Online Access: http://psychologyinrussia.com/volumes/pdf/2020_1/Psychology_1_2020_11-21_Shaboltas.pdf

Background. Te implementation of ethical principles in forensic psychology in Russia is facing serious challenges. Expert’s evaluations have to be managed in accordance with the basic ethical principles of practical psychology in general. At the same time, the specifc activities and role of a forensic psychologist difer from the professional activities and roles of a psychiatrist, psychologist-consultant, or psychotherapist. Objective. Tis study focused on the identifcation of the main ethical problems of psychologists, who are obligated to conduct expert evaluations for the court. Design. Tis study was conducted according to a qualitative paradigm, using a combination of the methods: content analysis of court materials and written expert opinion; analysis of court cases; interviews with experts; and analysis of international standards and guidelines for the professional activities of forensic experts. Results. Te ethical problems are determined by several factors: 1) the lack of a scientifc basis for the regulations; 2) the complexity of the role structure of the expert’s practice; 3) the lack of practically oriented studies devoted to ethics; and 4) the lack of a venue for systematic discussion and supervision. Ethical problems are ofen solved by specialists exclusively according to their personal attitudes which could be risky in terms of violations of professional ethics. Conclusion. Tere is a lack of systematic studies on the ethical problems in forensic practice. Te preliminary data show that the rapidly growing feld of expert evaluation requires the closest attention to developing ethical standards and understanding of the expert’s activity and role structure.