NCJ Number
75145
Journal
Sociology Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (1980) Pages: 417-440
Date Published
1980
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Based on research at a British borstal which involved participant observation and indepth interviewing, this paper examines the relationship between epilepsy and criminal behavior, and analyzes the process by which offenders are labeled epileptics.
Abstract
A literature review of research and studies that examine the relationship between epilepsy and crime reveals an absence of adequate causal explanations of any such relationship. Further, the research has not produced policies that yield a reduction in the substantial number of 'labeled' epileptics in penal institutions. Nine indepth interviews were conducted with inmates labeled epileptics, and informal conversations were held with staff members. The interviews showed that none of the subjects had epileptic seizures coinciding with crimes committed, and in none did the beginnings of criminal activity coincide with the onset of epilepsy. At least 66 percent of the sample were doubtful epileptics. Historical and situational factors appeared to be more influential in stimulating criminality than the biological condition of epilepsy. Two examples were found where the defendant's supposed epilepsy was used as a pretrial bargaining device by a social worker or as a means of reducing a sentence. In neither case was the contention of epilepsy based on a firm medical diagnosis; thus the label of epileptic accompanied the offender into the penal institution. Generally, institutional life is worse for those labeled epileptic than other categories of offenders, in terms of the rules and regulations applied to them and treatment given by other inmates. Future research should examine the process of labeling offenders as epileptics and the consequences of such labeling. Preliminary findings tend to challenge trial and institutional focusing on epilepsy as a significant factor in criminal behavior and institutional classification, since research has failed to show any conclusive relationship between epilepsy and criminality. Because of the smallness of the sample used in this research, caution is advised in generalizing from the findings. Interview quotes, tables, notes, and approximately 35 references are provided.