NCJ Number
107409
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Research is reviewed that focuses on the interactions between disabled citizens and the criminal justice system, with emphasis on four issues: (1) equal treatment under the law, (2) experiences of disabled persons in the criminal justice system, (3) attitudes and behaviors of law enforcement personnel toward people with disabilities, and (4) ways to improve the treatment of disabled persons in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Extensive research documents the experiences of people with disabilities in dealing with the criminal justice system. Bustamante's research showed that most police officers do not discriminate against people with physical disabilities. However, other researchers as well as disabled people and advocacy groups report negative experiences with police. Further research indicates that handicapped victims of crime are underserved by victim/witness programs. In addition, handicapped offenders who are incarcerated experience many problems, including overclassification, confiscation of certain adaptive equipment, and lack of disability services. However, handicapped prisoners have many legal protections to help insure their rights. Finally, a study by the National Center for State Courts has shown that impaired defendants are often handled inappropriately during criminal justice proceedings. The study suggests several measures that would provide 'competency assistance to those 'trial-disabled' individuals, who might otherwise be deemed legally incompetent to stand trial. 10 references.