NCJ Number
174051
Date Published
1996
Length
230 pages
Annotation
This book discusses the theory that dangerousness can be measured, quantified, and used to predict undesirable outcomes that result in harm to victims or social systems.
Abstract
The theory associating criminal dangerousness with the risk of violence begins with the assumption that the predisposition to crime and violence is best considered in terms of multiple characteristics that may form a pattern. Studies examined antisociality and limitations in cognition to determine how well this combination could explain violent criminality. Dangerous criminality can be traced to generally flawed individuals who lack constructive social values and also are impaired in their cognitive functions. The book also examines: (1) conceptual and methodological issues; (2) the validity of the dangerousness model as a predictor of criminal violence and recidivism; (3) the long-term prediction of criminally dangerous behavior; (4) dangerousness and race, gender and mental disorder; and (5) scientific and practical implications. Tables, references, indexes