Forensic Psychology and Ethical Dilemmas: A Case Study

Since Dr. Romaro was a forensic Psychologist, he was clinically appointed by the court where the crime took place to assess a 50 year old man who was convicted for murder in a bank robbery. The murderer’s name was John and he plead not guilty during the trial, and his lawyer said that he suffered from an intellectual disability, however; for a crime like that, John would definitely be faced capital punishment, which is the death penalty. During an interview by Dr. Romaro, John suffered of a panic attack and said more than he should have by confessing about
“The boy waiting on the bus”. This is purely an ethical dilemma because Dr. Romaro was not sure of how to think of John. He was not really sure of whether or not John had a disability

Romaro’s forensic report should not be based on John’s childhood psychological history due to the fact that there was no formal educational and psychological evaluation. Dr. Romaro’s report should only be based on John’s current evaluation, including his new confession about
”the boy waiting for the bus.”(APA 2016)
According to APA standard 9.01 Bases for Assessments
(a) Psychologists base the opinions contained in their recommendations, reports and diagnostic or evaluative statements, including forensic testimony, on information and techniques sufficient to substantiate their findings. (See also Standard 2.04, Bases for Scientific. Dr. Romaro did not know how to use his opinion regarding the situation. His decision should be ethical, and he should not be trying to protect John. Dr. Romaro should not have any conflict of interest, because that can cause him to act unethical
How might Dr. Romaro’s ambivalence toward the death penalty influence his decision to offer a forensic diagnosis of intellectual disability? How might John’s “confession” or his comment about the “boy waiting for the bus” influence the decision? To what extent should these factors play a role in Dr. Romaro’s

The effect of this decision will protect society and other people like John will learn about consequences. Other psychologists will also learn from Dr. Romaro for good ethical examples. As a Psychologist Dr. Romero requires to have good ethical judgement. His job is very important and his decision affect him in the long run. This was a very sensitive time I his life and there were times when his report could have been bias. Dr. Romaro chose to prolong the timing of his report in other to request older result. Although they were not helpful due to timeline. Dr. Romaro was trying to be fair and accurate regarding his results. As a future Psychologist I feel like this Dr. was trying his best to make sure that his results were accurately fair so that he could have the appropriate diagnosis for john until his confession. Although this confession was not in john’s advantage, then the Dr. could really see john for who he was. And also he john was really sick and hallucinated and confused the Dr. would also be able to help. “The boy waiting for the bus