[Forensic psychiatry ethics: expert and clinical practices and research on prisoners].
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Taborda
José G V
JG
Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal, Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciencias MEdicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. jose@taborda.med.br
Arboleda-Flórez
Júlio
J
D001938:Brazil; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000941:ethics*; D006805:Human Experimentation / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D011330:Prisons / Q000458:organization & administration