Law: Ethics Psychology

Alyssia Herrera-Fernandez

In Canada, almost everything that people do is formed around rules, these rules are called “laws”. Laws reflects society’s moral values, which is managed through enforcing fines and imprisonment. Whereas, ethics are based on an individuals approached of their own beliefs on what is wrong and right. The guidance that the federal, provincial, and case law has on the professional practice in psychology is crucial to understand, and examine. Through case examples, the nonexistence of laws and analyzing the importance of the law on ethical practice, this will support and determine the significance the law has on the practice of psychology. Psychologist need to be familiar with the laws to ensure that they are providing the best treatments, and sessions to their clients.

The government creates laws, therefore if one chooses to break the law due to their ethical beliefs the courts have the authority to enforce a punishment. Some of the areas that professional ethics and the law are commonly seen to overlap is in confidentially, informed consent, and competency. The importance of confidentially in the work of psychologist is crucial to the success of their clients. Confidentially is a respected part of both the Code of ethics, and the law. For example psychologist have the duty to report without consent if one is in danger to themselves or the public. Principle I: Respect of the Dignity of Persons, is linked to issues that fall under confidentiality (CPA, 2001). More specifically principle I.45, states that a psychologist must only share confidential information when it is justified by the law or if one is in danger of possible serious physical harm or death (CPA, 2001). This also is in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, which aims to protect the privacy of individuals that are in contact with institutions (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990). According to...