In this week’s Discussion, you will consider the risk assessment that the forensic psychologist and the forensic psychology professionals will have to implement to ensure not only the safety of the inmate but also the community at large. Does the young man present potential liabilities for all those at the institution who come into contact with him? What will the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) do? How might the ACLU argue that a juvenile should not be sentenced as an adult? Will the forensic professional be sued? Unfortunately, forensic psychology professionals may get sued not only by the inmate and his or her family, but also by activist groups such as the ACLU on behalf of the inmate. You will review the AP-LS Forensic Psychology Specialty Guidelines and the APA Ethical Guidelines pertaining to a death penalty case and, more importantly, a juvenile death penalty case.
Based on the principles of the forensic risk assessment, discuss the risks not only to the inmate, but the community at large.
Explain how the AP-LS Specialty Guidelinesfor Forensic Psychology and APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct pertain to the issue of the death penalty. How does this affect the forensic psychology professional’s assessment? (Consider the concept of nonmaleficence).
Evaluate the effectiveness of the death penalty to deter crime between your state and another state.