| Abstract: | Although psychologists generally have a legal duty only to their patients, some courts have created a duty to third parties who have been accused of child abuse. The authors review those cases and conclude that it is too soon to discern whether they represent aberrant decisions precipitated by unusual circumstances or whether they present an ominous liability trend. The authors argue that this expansion of the duty to this class of persons is contrary to the public interest. Recommendations are made to psychologists to minimize the likelihood of being sued by an aggrieved third party. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
