Ethics and the work of psychologists in the field of criminal justice

Abstract

Psychology is regarded as a human scientific endeavour which, amongst other matters, is concerned with its own definition and methodological procedures. While these have not been constant, an objective approach has generally been sought. Like some other scientific inquiries, however, psychology has its roots in literary, humanist, philosophical and linguistic, cultural traditions which not only are a part of its subject matter, but also form part of the environment in which psychological studies and activities proceed. The raising, in particular, of questions of ethics and moral values, themselves not usually seen as constituent concepts of the sciences, would seem to entail the necessary consideration of modern psychology's antecedents, including the debates about subjectivism and mentalism. To the extent that psychology is variously defined and subsumes a wide spectrum of interests and activities, it may be questioned whether a common code of ethics is applicable or conceptually relevant. In order, however, to avoid some of the difficulties inherent in the formulation of dualist or monist positions regarding the object and the act or state of observation, we may look at Popper's scheme of the “three worlds” to try to delineate the field and nature of objective knowledge, in order at least to chart the nature of debate and argument concerning the conjunction of ethical procedures and psychological activities.

A recent APA study has discussed matters relating to psychological work in the U.S. justice system. Much of it is partially relevant to other countries, although because of different standards of training and local legislation, there might be disparities in respect of the applicability both of administrative as well as of professional codes. While the justice system clearly has moral significance of a distinctive kind, it experiences its own changes and developments, as do other social institutions and organizations in which psychologists function. Differences of goals, professional demands in respect of ethical obligations, and particularly differences in the knowledge base available to various staff subgroups may characterize many diverse service settings. Endeavouring to serve society; to meet the needs of various people in the criminal justice system; and to seek to further the application of relevant psychological knowledge may present conflicts, but without necessitating the relinquishing of ethical obligations as these are currently formulated.