Forensic psychiatry ethics: expert and clinical practices and research on prisoners

• Published in: Revista brasileira de psiquiatria Vol. 28 Suppl 2; pp. S86 - S92
• Main Authors: Taborda, José G V, Arboleda-Flórez, Júlio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01.10.2006
• Subjects: Brazil; Ethics Committees, Research; Ethics, Medical; Expert Testimony - ethics; Expert Testimony - legislation & jurisprudence; Forensic Psychiatry - ethics; Human Experimentation - ethics; Human Experimentation - legislation & jurisprudence; Human Rights; Humans; Mental Competency; Mental Disorders - therapy; Mentally Ill Persons - legislation & jurisprudence; Mentally Ill Persons - psychology; Prisoners - legislation & jurisprudence; Prisoners - psychology; Prisons - organization & administration; Brazil
• DOI: 10.1590/S1516-44462006000600007
• ISSN: 1516-4446

Review the most relevant ethical issues of the tripartite aspects on which forensic psychiatry is based: expert activity, treatment of the mentally ill in prisons, and research on prisoner subjects. The principles of General Medical Ethics and those of Forensic Medical Ethics are discriminated and confronted and the steps the psychiatrist should take both as an expert and as a clinician to follow the ethical principles of his profession are indicated. A succinct résumé of the research on prisoners is offered and the basic principles, which, if respected, would keep a balance between the need for carrying out research in prisonal environments and the safeguard of prisoners' rights are suggested. It is fundamental for the forensic psychiatrist the knowledge and implementation of the ethical principles that govern his practice so that he will effectively respect the basic rights of the individuals he treats or researches with.