What do psychologists use to identify ethical and unethical behavior?

Psychologists use the code of conduct and ethical principles of psychologists. The American Psychological Association's (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct contains of an Introduction, a Preamble, five General Principles (A-E) and detailed Ethical Standards.

The Ethics Code is anticipated to offer guidance for psychologists and standards of professional conduct that can be applied by the APA and by other bodies that decide on to adopt them. The Ethics Code is not envisioned to be a basis of civil liability. Whether a psychologist has dishonored the Ethics Code standards does not by itself determine whether the psychologist is lawfully liable in a court action, whether a contract is enforceable, or whether other legal consequences happen.