TY - JOUR T1 - Commentary: The Higher Standards of Aspirational Ethics JF - Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online JO - J Am Acad Psychiatry Law SP - 242 LP - 244 VL - 34 IS - 2 AU - Philip J. Candilis AU - Richard Martinez Y1 - 2006/06/01 UR - http://jaapl.org/content/34/2/242.abstract N2 - In response to a case presented by Dr. David Menkes, the authors argue for a standard of forensic practice that aspires to more than minimal requirements of ethics and law. Professional ethics for forensic experts require acknowledgment of both the duties and ideals of the profession if they are to meet societal expectations, honor the intent of legal procedure, and overcome jaundiced views of the “hired gun.” Common values of transparency, truth‐telling, and respect for moral relationships in professional work are suggested for analysis of this case, as are respect for the profession and its historical narrative. In fact, a robust professional ethic that requires broader consideration of personal, professional, and community values finds renewed expression in this ethical analysis. ER -