Ethical issues in personality assessment in forensic psychology

In this article we address several ethical issues of concern for psychologi sts who are engaged in personality assessment in forensic settings such as for courts or attorneys. The ethical issues reviewed include the role of th e psychologist as an expert witness, matters of competence, informed consen t, confidentiality, multiple relationships, and special issues related to b illing. Emphasis is placed on how psychologists can provide useful informat ion to the courts in a manner consistent with the American Psychological As sociation's (APA; 1992) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Con duct, the Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologist's (1991 ) Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, and the APA's (1994) Gui delines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings. The practical recommendations made in this article are consistent with the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.