When considered with respect to the legal requirements for expert testimony, little doubt exists that psychological profiles have a place in a criminal trial where guilt and innocence is being determined. However, in clinical situations, decisionmaking is based on an overall integration of material based on clinical experience, rather than on interpretation of tests on a test-by-test basis. In contrast, no research findings exist to suggest that clinicians, using all the tools available, can profile sex offenders with sufficient validity and reliability for use in criminal trials. This does not mean that psychological data are not valid for all uses. Psychological and physiological data are still valuable for treatment planning of known offenders and for empirical studies to increase our understanding of this population. In addition, mental health professionals also still have a role with the courts in presenting situations once guilt or innocence has been determined. 52 references (Author abstract modified)