Ethics and forensic psychiatry: translating principles into practice

Twenty-five years ago, Alan Stone expressed his skepticism that forensic psychiatry could be practiced ethically. His remarks have proven a useful goad to the field, focusing attention on the importance of an ethics framework for forensic practice. But Stone remains dubious that any system of ethics--including the "Standard Position" on which he focuses his critique--could be of much value in practice. In contrast, I suggest that Stone's pessimism is not well founded. Immanent in forensic practice itself is a reasonable set of ethics principles, based on truth-telling and respect for persons. Psychiatrists can offer reliable and valid testimony, while resisting seduction into an advocacy role. Indeed, with new structured approaches to assessment, the potential utility of forensic testimony is probably greater than ever. Though problematic behavior still exists, forensic psychiatry offers the factual background and interpretive context to allow legal decision-makers to make better choices than they otherwise would.