The role of a forensic psychologist is uniquely positioned at the complex intersection of clinical expertise and the adversarial legal system. This intersection is acutely evident when conducting a violence risk assessment, a process of estimating and attempting to limit the likelihood of an undesirable, harmful event occurring. Violence risk assessment is exceptionally difficult, as the consequences of erroneous decisions are grave: failure to identify a high-risk individual jeopardizes public safety, while erroneously labeling someone high-risk can lead to unjustified restrictions of liberty, public stigma, and needless expense. Navigating ethical gray areas, especially when referral questions are unclear or recommendations are under pressure, is therefore a fundamental competency for the modern practitioner.