Ethical issues in forensic hypnosis

Abstract

The conduct and/or evaluation of forensic hypnosis sessions raises several sensitive ethical issues. We aim to provide a schematic framework in which to consider some of the major issues. The three major issues discussed in detail concern the position adopted about forensic hypnosis, the consequences of involving oneself in forensic hypnosis, and the nature of one's involvement in the legal system. We argue that professionals need to have a clear understanding of these issues before they agree to either conduct or evaluate a forensic hypnosis session.