In the past 50 years forensic psychological practice has educational systems including, but not limited to, examin-
expanded dramatically. The American Psychological As- ing or treating persons in anticipation of or subsequent to
sociation (APA) has a division devoted to matters of law legal, contractual, or administrative proceedings; offering
and psychology (APA Division 41, the American Psy- expert opinion about psychological issues in the form of
chology–Law Society), a number of scientific journals de- amicus briefs or testimony to judicial, legislative, or ad-
voted to interactions between psychology and the law exist ministrative bodies; acting in an adjudicative capacity;
(e.g., Law and Human Behavior; Psychology, Public Pol- serving as a trial consultant or otherwise offering expertise
icy, and Law; Behavioral Sciences & the Law), and a to attorneys, the courts, or others; conducting research in
This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.
number of key texts have been published and undergone connection with, or in the anticipation of, litigation; or
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
multiple revisions (e.g., Grisso, 1986, 2003; Melton, Pe- involvement in educational activities of a forensic nature.
trila, Poythress, & Slobogin, 1987, 1997, 2007; Rogers, Psychological practice is not considered forensic
1988, 1997, 2008). In addition, training in forensic psy- solely because the conduct takes place in, or the product is
chology is available in predoctoral, internship, and post- presented in, a tribunal or other judicial, legislative, or
doctoral settings, and APA recognized forensic psychology administrative forum. For example, when a party (such as
as a specialty in 2001, with subsequent recertification in a civilly or criminally detained individual) or another in-
2008. dividual (such as a child whose parents are involved in
Because the practice of forensic psychology differs in divorce proceedings) is ordered into treatment with a prac-
important ways from more traditional practice areas (Mo- titioner, that treatment is not necessarily the practice of
nahan, 1980) the “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psy- forensic psychology. In addition, psychological testimony
chologists” were developed and published in 1991 (Com- that is solely based on the provision of psychotherapy and
mittee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, does not include psycholegal opinions is not ordinarily
1991). Because of continued developments in the field in considered forensic practice.
the ensuing 20 years, forensic practitioners’ ongoing need For the purposes of these Guidelines, forensic practi-
for guidance, and policy requirements of APA, the 1991 tioner refers to a psychologist when engaged in the practice
“Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists” were of forensic psychology as described above. Such profes-
revised, with the intent of benefiting forensic practitioners sional conduct is considered forensic from the time the
and recipients of their services alike. practitioner reasonably expects to, agrees to, or is legally
The goals of these Specialty Guidelines for Forensic mandated to provide expertise on an explicitly psycholegal
Psychology (“the Guidelines”) are to improve the quality of issue.
forensic psychological services; enhance the practice and The provision of forensic services may include a wide
facilitate the systematic development of forensic psychol- variety of psycholegal roles and functions. For example, as
ogy; encourage a high level of quality in professional
practice; and encourage forensic practitioners to acknowl-
edge and respect the rights of those they serve. These This article was published Online First October 1, 2012.
Guidelines are intended for use by psychologists when These Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology were developed
by the American Psychology–Law Society (Division 41 of the American
engaged in the practice of forensic psychology as described Psychological Association [APA]) and the American Academy of Foren-
below and may also provide guidance on professional sic Psychology. They were adopted by the APA Council of Representa-
conduct to the legal system and other organizations and tives on August 3, 2011.
professions. The previous version of the Guidelines (“Specialty Guidelines for
Forensic Psychologists”; Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic
For the purposes of these Guidelines, forensic psy- Psychologists, 1991) was approved by the American Psychology–Law
chology refers to professional practice by any psychologist Society (Division 41 of APA) and the American Academy of Forensic
working within any subdiscipline of psychology (e.g., clin- Psychology in 1991. The current revision, now called the “Specialty
ical, developmental, social, cognitive) when applying the Guidelines for Forensic Psychology” (referred to as “the Guidelines”
throughout this document), replaces the 1991 “Specialty Guidelines for
scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychol- Forensic Psychologists.”
ogy to the law to assist in addressing legal, contractual, and These guidelines are scheduled to expire August 3, 2021. After this
administrative matters. Application of the Guidelines does date, users are encouraged to contact the American Psychological Asso-
not depend on the practitioner’s typical areas of practice or ciation Practice Directorate to confirm that this document remains in
effect.
expertise, but rather, on the service provided in the case at Correspondence concerning these guidelines should be addressed to
hand. These Guidelines apply in all matters in which psy- the Practice Directorate, American Psychological Association, 750 First
chologists provide expertise to judicial, administrative, and Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242.
arbiters, special masters, or case managers with decision- competent” and “best possible” are usually different points
along that continuum.
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
decline participation in the matter, or limit their participa- Forensic practitioners seek to manage their workloads so
tion in a manner that is consistent with professional obli- that services can be provided thoroughly, competently, and
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
prior to entering into a contract, may direct the potential ticipant in a legal matter does not necessarily involve the
retaining party not to reveal any confidential or privileged practice of forensic psychology even when that testimony
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
information as a way of protecting the retaining party’s is relevant to a psycholegal issue before the decision
interest in case a conflict exists as a result of pre-existing maker. For example, providing testimony on matters such
relationships. as a patient’s reported history or other statements, mental
At the initiation of any request for service, forensic status, diagnosis, progress, prognosis, and treatment would
practitioners seek to clarify the nature of the relationship not ordinarily be considered forensic practice even when
and the services to be provided including the role of the the testimony is related to a psycholegal issue before the
forensic practitioner (e.g., trial consultant, forensic exam- decision maker. In contrast, rendering opinions and pro-
iner, treatment provider, expert witness, research consul- viding testimony about a person on psycholegal issues
tant); which person or entity is the client; the probable uses (e.g., criminal responsibility, legal causation, proximate
of the services provided or information obtained; and any cause, trial competence, testamentary capacity, the relative
limitations to privacy, confidentiality, or privilege. merits of parenting arrangements) would ordinarily be con-
sidered the practice of forensic psychology.
Guideline 4.02: Multiple Relationships
Consistent with their ethical obligations to base their
A multiple relationship occurs when a forensic practitioner opinions on information and techniques sufficient to sub-
is in a professional role with a person and, at the same time stantiate their findings (EPPCC Standards 2.04, 9.01), fo-
or at a subsequent time, is in a different role with the same rensic practitioners are encouraged to provide testimony
person; is involved in a personal, fiscal, or other relation- only on those issues for which they have adequate founda-
ship with an adverse party; at the same time is in a rela- tion and only when a reasonable forensic practitioner en-
tionship with a person closely associated with or related to gaged in similar circumstances would determine that the
the person with whom the forensic practitioner has the ability to make a proper decision is unlikely to be impaired.
professional relationship; or offers or agrees to enter into As with testimony regarding forensic examinees, the fo-
another relationship in the future with the person or a rensic practitioner strives to identify any substantive limi-
person closely associated with or related to the person tations that may affect the reliability and validity of the
(EPPCC Standard 3.05). facts or opinions offered, and communicates these to the
Forensic practitioners strive to recognize the potential decision maker.
conflicts of interest and threats to objectivity inherent in
multiple relationships. Forensic practitioners are encour- Guideline 4.02.03: Provision of Forensic
aged to recognize that some personal and professional Therapeutic Services
relationships may interfere with their ability to practice in Although some therapeutic services can be considered fo-
a competent and impartial manner and they seek to mini- rensic in nature, the fact that therapeutic services are or-
mize any detrimental effects by avoiding involvement in dered by the court does not necessarily make them forensic.
such matters whenever feasible or limiting their assistance In determining whether a therapeutic service should
in a manner that is consistent with professional obligations. be considered the practice of forensic psychology, psychol-
ogists are encouraged to consider the potential impact of
Guideline 4.02.01: Therapeutic–Forensic Role
the legal context on treatment, the potential for treatment to
Conflicts
impact the psycholegal issues involved in the case, and
Providing forensic and therapeutic psychological services whether another reasonable psychologist in a similar posi-
to the same individual or closely related individuals in- tion would consider the service to be forensic and these
volves multiple relationships that may impair objectivity Guidelines to be applicable.
and/or cause exploitation or other harm. Therefore, when Therapeutic services can have significant effects on
requested or ordered to provide either concurrent or se- current or future legal proceedings. Forensic practitioners
sic practitioners consider whether they can continue in a In determining what information to impart, forensic
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
forensic role with that individual so that potential for harm practitioners are encouraged to consider a variety of factors
to the recipient of services is avoided (EPPCC Standard including the person’s experience or training in psycholog-
3.04). ical and legal matters of the type involved and whether the
person is represented by counsel. When questions or un-
5. Fees certainties remain after they have made the effort to explain
Guideline 5.01: Determining Fees the necessary information, forensic practitioners may rec-
ommend that the person seek legal advice.
When determining fees forensic practitioners may consider
salient factors such as their experience providing the ser- Guideline 6.02: Communication With Those
vice, the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty Seeking to Retain a Forensic Practitioner
of the questions involved, the skill required to perform the As part of the initial process of being retained, or as soon
service, the fee customarily charged for similar forensic thereafter as previously unknown information becomes
services, the likelihood that the acceptance of available, forensic practitioners strive to disclose to the
the particularba employment will preclude other employ- retaining party information that would reasonably be an-
ment, the time limitations imposed by the client or circum- ticipated to affect a decision to retain or continue the
stances, the nature and length of the professional relation- services of the forensic practitioner.
ship with the client, the client’s ability to pay for the This disclosure may include, but is not limited to, the
service, and any legal requirements. fee structure for anticipated services; prior and current
Guideline 5.02: Fee Arrangements personal or professional activities, obligations, and rela-
tionships that would reasonably lead to the fact or the
Forensic practitioners are encouraged to make clear to the appearance of a conflict of interest; the forensic practitio-
client the likely cost of services whenever it is feasible, and ner’s knowledge, skill, experience, and education relevant
make appropriate provisions in those cases in which the to the forensic services being considered, including any
costs of services is greater than anticipated or the client’s significant limitations; and the scientific bases and limita-
ability to pay for services changes in some way. tions of the methods and procedures which are expected to
Forensic practitioners seek to avoid undue influence be employed.
that might result from financial compensation or other
gains. Because of the threat to impartiality presented by the Guideline 6.03: Communication With
acceptance of contingent fees and associated legal prohi- Forensic Examinees
bitions, forensic practitioners strive to avoid providing pro- Forensic practitioners inform examinees about the nature
fessional services on the basis of contingent fees. Letters of and purpose of the examination (EPPCC Standard 9.03;
protection, financial guarantees, and other security for pay- American Educational Research Association, American
ment of fees in the future are not considered contingent fees Psychological Association, & National Council on Mea-
unless payment is dependent on the outcome of the matter. surement in Education [AERA, APA, & NCME], in press).
Guideline 5.03: Pro Bono Services Such information may include the purpose, nature, and
anticipated use of the examination; who will have access to
Forensic psychologists recognize that some persons may the information; associated limitations on privacy, confi-
have limited access to legal services as a function of dentiality, and privilege including who is authorized to
financial disadvantage and strive to contribute a portion of release or access the information contained in the forensic
their professional time for little or no compensation or practitioner’s records; the voluntary or involuntary nature
personal advantage (EPPCC Principle E). of participation, including potential consequences of par-
Guideline 6.03.02: Persons Ordered or sources information that might reasonably be expected to
Mandated to Undergo Examination or
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
are affiliated or for whom they are working conflict with If requested, forensic practitioners seek to provide the
their professional responsibilities and obligations, foren- retaining party access to, and a meaningful explanation of,
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
sic practitioners strive to clarify the nature of the conflict all information that is in their records for the matter at
and, to the extent feasible, resolve the conflict in a way hand, consistent with the relevant law, applicable codes of
consistent with professional obligations and responsibil- ethics and professional standards, and institutional rules
ities (EPPCC Standard 1.03). and regulations. Forensic examinees typically are not pro-
vided access to the forensic practitioner’s records without
Guideline 7.03: Resolving Ethical Issues With the consent of the retaining party. Access to records by
Fellow Professionals anyone other than the retaining party is governed by legal
When an apparent or potential ethical violation has caused, process, usually subpoena or court order, or by explicit
or is likely to cause, substantial harm, forensic practitioners consent of the retaining party. Forensic practitioners may
are encouraged to take action appropriate to the situation charge a reasonable fee for the costs associated with the
and consider a number of factors including the nature and storage, reproduction, review, and provision of records.
the immediacy of the potential harm; applicable privacy, Guideline 8.03: Acquiring Collateral and
confidentiality, and privilege; how the rights of the relevant Third Party Information
parties may be affected by a particular course of action; and
any other legal or ethical obligations (EPPCC Standard Forensic practitioners strive to access information or re-
1.04). Steps to resolve perceived ethical conflicts may cords from collateral sources with the consent of the rele-
include, but are not limited to, obtaining the consultation of vant attorney or the relevant party, or when otherwise
knowledgeable colleagues, obtaining the advice of inde- authorized by law or court order.
pendent counsel, and conferring directly with the client.
Guideline 8.04: Use of Case Materials in
When forensic practitioners believe there may have
Teaching, Continuing Education, and Other
been an ethical violation by another professional, an at-
Scholarly Activities
tempt is made to resolve the issue by bringing it to the
attention of that individual, if that attempt does not violate Forensic practitioners using case materials for purposes of
any rights or privileges that may be involved, and if an teaching, training, or research strive to present such infor-
informal resolution appears appropriate (EPPCC Standard mation in a fair, balanced, and respectful manner. They
1.04). If this does not result in a satisfactory resolution, the attempt to protect the privacy of persons by disguising the
forensic practitioner may have to take further action appro- confidential, personally identifiable information of all per-
priate to the situation, including making a report to third sons and entities who would reasonably claim a privacy
parties of the perceived ethical violation (EPPCC Standard interest; using only those aspects of the case available in
1.05). In most instances, in order to minimize unforeseen the public domain; or obtaining consent from the relevant
risks to the party’s rights in the legal matter, forensic clients, parties, participants, and organizations to use the
practitioners consider consulting with the client before materials for such purposes (EPPCC Standard 4.07; also
attempting to resolve a perceived ethical violation with see Guidelines 11.06 and 11.07 of these Guidelines).
another professional.
9. Methods and Procedures
8. Privacy, Confidentiality, and
Guideline 9.01: Use of Appropriate Methods
Privilege
Forensic practitioners strive to utilize appropriate methods
Forensic practitioners recognize their ethical obligations to and procedures in their work. When performing examina-
maintain the confidentiality of information relating to a tions, treatment, consultation, educational activities, or
client or retaining party, except insofar as disclosure is scholarly investigations, forensic practitioners seek to
Forensic practitioners recognize their obligations to only Assessment in forensic contexts differs from assess-
provide written or oral evidence about the psychological ment in therapeutic contexts in important ways that foren-
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
characteristics of particular individuals when they have sic practitioners strive to take into account when conduct-
sufficient information or data to form an adequate founda- ing forensic examinations. Forensic practitioners seek to
tion for those opinions or to substantiate their findings consider the strengths and limitations of employing tradi-
(EPPCC Standard 9.01). Forensic practitioners seek to tional assessment procedures in forensic examinations
make reasonable efforts to obtain such information or data, (AERA, APA, & NCME, in press). Given the stakes in-
and they document their efforts to obtain it. When it is not volved in forensic contexts, forensic practitioners strive to
possible or feasible to examine individuals about whom ensure the integrity and security of test materials and re-
they are offering an opinion, forensic practitioners strive to sults (AERA, APA, & NCME, in press).
make clear the impact of such limitations on the reliability When the validity of an assessment technique has not
and validity of their professional products, opinions, or been established in the forensic context or setting in which
testimony. it is being used, the forensic practitioner seeks to describe
When conducting a record review or providing con- the strengths and limitations of any test results and explain
sultation or supervision that does not warrant an individual the extrapolation of these data to the forensic context.
examination, forensic practitioners seek to identify the Because of the many differences between forensic and
sources of information on which they are basing their therapeutic contexts, forensic practitioners consider and
opinions and recommendations, including any substantial seek to make known that some examination results may
limitations to their opinions and recommendations. warrant substantially different interpretation when admin-
istered in forensic contexts (AERA, APA, & NCME, in
10. Assessment press).
Guideline 10.01: Focus on Legally Relevant Forensic practitioners consider and seek to make
Factors known that forensic examination results can be affected by
factors unique to, or differentially present in, forensic con-
Forensic examiners seek to assist the trier of fact to under- texts including response style, voluntariness of participa-
stand evidence or determine a fact in issue, and they tion, and situational stress associated with involvement in
provide information that is most relevant to the psycholegal forensic or legal matters (AERA, APA, & NCME, in
issue. In reports and testimony, forensic practitioners typ- press).
ically provide information about examinees’ functional
abilities, capacities, knowledge, and beliefs, and address Guideline 10.03: Appreciation of Individual
their opinions and recommendations to the identified psy- Differences
cholegal issues (American Bar Association & American When interpreting assessment results, forensic practitioners
Psychological Assocation, 2008; Grisso, 1986, 2003; Hei- consider the purpose of the assessment as well as the
lbrun, Marczyk, DeMatteo, & Mack-Allen, 2007). various test factors, test-taking abilities, and other charac-
Forensic practitioners are encouraged to consider the teristics of the person being assessed, such as situational,
problems that may arise by using a clinical diagnosis in personal, linguistic, and cultural differences that might
some forensic contexts, and consider and qualify their affect their judgments or reduce the accuracy of their
opinions and testimony appropriately. interpretations (EPPCC Standard 9.06). Forensic practitio-
ners strive to identify any significant strengths and limita-
Guideline 10.02: Selection and Use of
tions of their procedures and interpretations.
Assessment Procedures
Forensic practitioners are encouraged to consider how
Forensic practitioners use assessment procedures in the the assessment process may be impacted by any disability
manner and for the purposes that are appropriate in light of an examinee is experiencing, make accommodations as
Forensic practitioners seek to provide information Forensic practitioners make reasonable efforts to ensure
about professional work in a manner consistent with pro- that the products of their services, as well as their own
fessional and legal standards for the disclosure of test data public statements and professional reports and testimony,
or results, interpretation of data, and the factual bases for are communicated in ways that promote understanding and
conclusions. avoid deception (EPPCC Standard 5.01).
Guideline 10.06: Documentation and When in their role as expert to the court or other
Compilation of Data Considered tribunals, the role of forensic practitioners is to facilitate
understanding of the evidence or dispute. Consistent
Forensic practitioners are encouraged to recognize the im-
with legal and ethical requirements, forensic practitio-
portance of documenting all data they consider with
ners do not distort or withhold relevant evidence or
enough detail and quality to allow for reasonable judicial
opinion in reports or testimony. When responding to
scrutiny and adequate discovery by all parties. This docu-
mentation includes, but is not limited to, letters and con- discovery requests and providing sworn testimony, fo-
sultations; notes, recordings, and transcriptions; assessment rensic practitioners strive to have readily available for
and test data, scoring reports and interpretations; and all inspection all data which they considered, regardless of
other records in any form or medium that were created or whether the data supports their opinion, subject to and
exchanged in connection with a matter. consistent with court order, relevant rules of evidence,
When contemplating third party observation or audio/ test security issues, and professional standards (AERA,
video-recording of examinations, forensic practitioners APA, & NCME, in press; Committee on Legal Issues,
strive to consider any law that may control such matters, American Psychological Association, 2006; Bank &
the need for transparency and documentation, and the po- Packer, 2007; Golding, 1990).
tential impact of observation or recording on the validity of When providing reports and other sworn statements
the examination and test security (Committee on Psycho- or testimony in any form, forensic practitioners strive to
logical Tests and Assessment, American Psychological As- present their conclusions, evidence, opinions, or other
sociation, 2007). professional products in a fair manner. Forensic practitio-
ners do not, by either commission or omission, participate in
Guideline 10.07: Provision of Documentation misrepresentation of their evidence, nor do they participate in
Pursuant to proper subpoenas or court orders, or other partisan attempts to avoid, deny, or subvert the presentation of
legally proper consent from authorized persons, forensic evidence contrary to their own position or opinion (EPPCC
practitioners seek to make available all documentation de- Standard 5.01). This does not preclude forensic practitioners
scribed in Guideline 10.05, all financial records related to from forcefully presenting the data and reasoning upon which
the matter, and any other records including reports (and a conclusion or professional product is based.
draft reports if they have been provided to a party, attorney,
or other entity for review), that might reasonably be related Guideline 11.02: Differentiating
to the opinions to be expressed. Observations, Inferences, and Conclusions
Guideline 10.08: Record Keeping In their communications, forensic practitioners strive to
Forensic practitioners establish and maintain a system of distinguish observations, inferences, and conclusions. Fo-
record keeping and professional communication (EPPCC rensic practitioners are encouraged to explain the relation-
Standard 6.01; APA, 2007), and attend to relevant laws and ship between their expert opinions and the legal issues and
rules. When indicated by the extent of the rights, liberties, facts of the case at hand.
reasoning underlying the opinions, the salient data or other edge of or involvement with the case (EPPCC Standard
information that was considered in forming the opinions, 9.01).
and an indication of any additional evidence that may be
REFERENCES
used in support of the opinions to be offered. The specific
substance of forensic reports is determined by the type of American Bar Association & American Psychological Association.
psycholegal issue at hand as well as relevant laws or rules (2008). Assessment of older adults with diminished capacity: A hand-
in the jurisdiction in which the work is completed. book for psychologists. Washington, DC: American Bar Association
Forensic practitioners are encouraged to limit discus- and American Psychological Association.
sion of background information that does not bear directly American Educational Research Association, American Psychological
Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education. (in
upon the legal purpose of the examination or consultation. press). Standards for educational and psychological testing (3rd ed.).
Forensic practitioners avoid offering information that is Washington, DC: Authors.
irrelevant and that does not provide a substantial basis of American Psychological Association. (2002). Criteria for practice guide-
support for their opinions, except when required by law line development and evaluation. American Psychologist, 57, 1048 –
1051. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.57.12.1048
(EPPCC Standard 4.04).
American Psychological Association. (2003). Guidelines on multicultural
Guideline 11.05: Commenting Upon Other education, training, research, practice, and organizational change for
psychologists. American Psychologist, 58, 377– 402. doi:10.1037/0003-
Professionals and Participants in Legal 066X.58.5.377
Proceedings American Psychological Association. (2004). Guidelines for psychologi-
cal practice with older adults. American Psychologist, 59, 4, 236 –260.
When evaluating or commenting upon the work or quali- doi:10.1037/0003-066X.59.4.236
fications of other professionals involved in legal proceed- American Psychological Association. (2007). Record keeping guidelines.
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ments in a professional and respectful tone, and base them American Psychological Association. (2010a). Ethical principles of psy-
on a fair examination of the data, theories, standards, and chologists and code of conduct (2002, Amended June 1, 2010). Re-
trieved from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx
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When describing or commenting upon clients, exam- tody evaluations in family law proceedings. American Psychologist, 65,
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Appendix A
Revision Process of the Guidelines
This revision of the Guidelines was coordinated by the Com- ter). In addition, an electronic discussion list devoted solely
mittee for the Revision of the Specialty Guidelines for Foren- to issues concerning revision of the Guidelines was oper-
sic Psychology (“the Revisions Committee”), which was es- ated between December 2002 and July 2007, followed by
tablished by the American Academy of Forensic Psychology establishment of an e-mail address in February 2008
and the American Psychology–Law Society (Division 41 of (sgfp@yahoo.com). Individuals were invited to provide
the American Psychological Association [APA]) in 2002 and input and commentary on the existing Guidelines and pro-
which operated through 2011. This committee consisted of posed revisions via these means. In addition, two public
two representatives from each organization (Solomon Fulero, meetings were held throughout the revision process at
PhD, JD; Stephen Golding, PhD, ABPP; Lisa Piechowski, biennial meetings of the American Psychology–Law Soci-
PhD, ABPP; Christina Studebaker, PhD), a chairperson ety.
(Randy Otto, PhD, ABPP), and a liaison from Division 42 Upon development of a draft that the Revisions Com-
(Psychologists in Independent Practice) of APA (Jeffrey mittee deemed suitable, the revised Guidelines were sub-
Younggren, PhD, ABPP). mitted for review to the Executive Committee of the Amer-
This document was revised in accordance with APA ican Psychology–Law Society (Division 41 of APA) and
Rule 30.08 and the APA policy document “Criteria for the American Board of Forensic Psychology. Once the
Practice Guideline Development and Evaluation” (APA, revised Guidelines were approved by these two organiza-
2002). The Revisions Committee posted announcements tions, they were submitted to APA for review, commen-
regarding the revision process to relevant electronic dis- tary, and acceptance, consistent with APA’s “Criteria for
cussion lists and professional publications (i.e., the Psy- Practice Guideline Development and Evaluation” (APA,
law-L e-mail listserv of the American Psychology–Law 2002) and APA Rule 30-8. They were subsequently revised
Society, the American Academy of Forensic Psychology by the Revisions Committee and were adopted by the APA
listserv, the American Psychology–Law Society Newslet- Council of Representatives on August 3, 2011.
(Appendices continue)
For the purposes of these Guidelines: ogy to the law and the use of that knowledge to assist in
Appropriate, when used in relation to conduct by a resolving legal, contractual, and administrative disputes.
forensic practitioner means that, according to the prevailing Forensic Practitioner refers to a psychologist when
professional judgment of competent forensic practitioners, engaged in forensic practice.
the conduct is apt and pertinent and is considered befitting, Forensic Psychology refers to all forensic practice by
suitable, and proper for a particular person, place, condi- any psychologist working within any subdiscipline of psy-
tion, or function. Inappropriate means that, according to chology (e.g., clinical, developmental, social, cognitive).
the prevailing professional judgment of competent forensic Informed Consent denotes the knowledgeable, volun-
practitioners, the conduct is not suitable, desirable, or prop- tary, and competent agreement by a person to a proposed
erly timed for a particular person, occasion, or purpose; and course of conduct after the forensic practitioner has com-
may also denote improper conduct, improprieties, or con- municated adequate information and explanation about the
duct that is discrepant for the circumstances.
This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.