NCJ Number
26387
Journal
Medicine, Science and the Law Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL 1975) Pages: 110-123
Date Published
1975
Length
14 pages
Annotation
REVIEW OF CURRENT LAWS GOVERNING SENTENCING AND THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT IN GREAT BRITAIN OF OFFENDERS DEEMED PSYCHOPATHIC, WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR THE LEGAL HANDLING OF PSYCOPATHIC CRIMINALS.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR RECOMMENDS FIRST THAT THE DEFINITION OF PSYCHOPATHIC DISORDER IN THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT OF 1959 BE REVISED AND AMPLIFIED AND SHOULD BE CLEARLY DELINEATED FROM PERSONALITY DISORDERS WHICH DO NOT ENTITLE THE OFFENDER TO A PLEA OF DIMINISHED RESPONSIBILITY. LEGAL DISPOSALS SHOULD PROVIDE TREATMENT OF SUFFICIENT LENGTH WHILE PROTECTING THE PUBLIC BY PLACING DANGEROUS OFFENDERS IN SECURE INSTITUTIONS. ORDINARY MENTAL HOSPITALS SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO ADMIT CRIMINAL PSYCHOPATHS AND CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO CONSTRUCTING INSTITUTIONS FOR PSYCHOPATHIC OFFENDERS SIMILAR TO THOSE EXISTING IN DENMARK.