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Mentally Retarded Defendant/Offender

NCJ Number
76708
Journal
Journal of Special Education Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1980) Pages: 113-119
Author(s)
C L Reichard; J Spencer; F Spooner
Date Published
1980
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A study of 36 State court administrators on the subject of the mentally retarded defendant-offender found that most States have not yet adopted a definition of mental retardation, are ignorant of the prevalence of mentally retarded inmates in their States, and are not providing training for judges and lawyers to deal with such people.
Abstract
Most States were found to be concerned with the retarded defendant's competence to stand trial and were providing alternative placement of those judged incompetent. However, few States are providing training in understanding the judicial proceedings for those retarded persons found competent to stand trial. The treatment of retarded offenders is poor nationwide. Recommendations include the creation of special courts cognizant of the differential needs of the retarded, specialized training for judges and lawyers, a variety of alternative programs for appropriate placement, and specialized rehabilitation educational training for retarded inmates. One table and eight references are included.