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Mental Abnormality and Criminality -- An Uncertain Relationship

NCJ Number
127658
Journal
Medicine, Science, and the Law Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 247-258
Author(s)
H Prins
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The contextual framework for the relationship between mental abnormality and criminality is examined with particular emphasis on the standards set by English law. The article points out the difficulties caused by the inherent ambiguity of some degrees of both conditions.
Abstract
Studies of penal and criminal populations have led to the general conclusion that while severe psychiatric disorders and severe mental impairment are relatively uncommon within the criminal population, personality disorders, alcohol and drug dependencies, and sexual problems figure quite prominently in deviant behavior. The relationships between criminality and certain specific disorders including inter alia, affective disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, organic conditions, and endocrine and hormonal disturbances are described. There is also a discussion of the interactions between mental retardation, genetics, and crime. The implications for corrections management of these interactions are outlined in light of the inadequate provisions for the disposition and treatment of mentally abnormal offenders in England. 100 references (Author abstract modified)