REVIEW FOR RELEASE: THE USE AND MISUSE OF PSYCHIATRIC OPINION (FROM SERIOUS VIOLENT OFFENDERS: SENTENCING, PSYCHIATRY, AND LAW REFORM, 1991, P 223-243, SALLY-ANNE GERULL AND WILLIAM LUCAS, EDS. - SEE NCJ-147734)

• NCJ Number: 147752
• Author(s): W E Lucas
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper considers the use of psychiatric testimony in the cases of two prisoners whose nonparole periods were extended by the Supreme Court of South Australia after petitions by the Crown.

Abstract

In one case, psychiatric opinion on key issues was valuable because of the patient's history, intellectual disability, and psychiatric disorders. His history of offending and disturbed behavior were sufficient evidence to suggest he would pose a risk to the community if released. In the second case, there was little information of predictive value, no diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder, and no history of treatment. However, by virtue of the way his behavior and personality were responded to by the correctional administration, this inmate was classified as dangerous. Both cases illustrate the long-term impact of psychiatric attitudes on the management and eventual release of serious offenders. 20 references