MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'International Journal of Law and Psychiatry' source. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:38:46 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664698&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22296969%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Claydon L Abstract The timing of the English Law Commission's consideration of reform to the law of insanity coincides with increasing scientific and in particular neuroscientific understanding of the brain. The work of researchers is leading to a greater comprehension of what had been termed irresistible impulses to commit crime and of the impact of brain damage, particularly evidence of brain lesions and frontal lobe damage on behaviour. There remain problems in establishing causal relationships which might diminish or eliminate criminal responsibility for crimes committed by those suffering from pre existing mental conditions at the time they commit a criminal offence. This is especially the case where those mental conditions are of short duration. However, the law shou... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664698 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5664698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664699&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22289293%26dopt%3DAbstract Brains in context in the neurolaw debate: The examples of free will and "dangerous" brains. Int J Law Psychiatry. 2012 Jan 28; Authors: Schleim S Abstract Will neuroscience revolutionize forensic practice and our legal institutions? In the debate about the legal implications of brain research, free will and the neural bases of antisocial or criminal behavior are of central importance. By analyzing frequently quoted examples for the unconscious determinants of behavior and antisocial personality changes caused by brain lesions in a wider psychological and social context, the paper argues for a cautious middle position: Evidence for an impending normative "neuro-revolution" is scarce and neuroscience may instead gradually improve legal practice in the long run, particularly w... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664699 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5664699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627593&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22261321%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rachul C, Zarzeczny A Abstract The increasing popularity of functional neuroimaging technologies in multiple disciplines has gained attention from within and outside the field of neuroscience. As the scope of research employing functional neuroimaging technologies broadens, there appears to also be a growing concern about the use of these technologies and the related social, ethical and legal issues. These concerns have been coined 'neuroskepticism'. First, we review how the term neuroskepticism has been previously used and defined. Second, we examine review and commentary articles published in journals with top impact factors, probing the presence and evolution of neuroskepticism within these articles. Results demonstrate a wide, but expected, range of issues associated w... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627593 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5627593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627591&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22264776%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Toole CJ Abstract Fast-paced developments in psychiatry, neuroscience and emerging neuroimaging technologies place continual pressure on the legal recognition of mental illness and disease across jurisdictional boundaries. Nevertheless, the Canadian legal definition of exculpatory mental disease in the context of criminal liability has remained largely static, sheltered from the immediate influence of medical theory and advancements. In order to effectively reflect on the intersection of mental health and criminal justice systems in this area, it is important to understand its historical development and the English common law origins of the current approach. Specifically turning to the early 19th century, documented history and accounts of early medical witness testimony o... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627591 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5627591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627595&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22261319%26dopt%3DAbstract This article addresses this worry and concludes that it is not the possibility of manipulation, but the shift in our understanding of our mind which stands in need of careful consideration. PMID: 22261319 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627595 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5627595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627594&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22261320%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bottalico B, Bruni T Abstract Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychiatric condition, the effects of which can be seriously debilitating. As it originates from a specific traumatic event, it often impacts soldiers and victims of violent crime. It is currently one of the most frequently litigated mental diseases. Neuroscience is slowly discovering the neural bases of PTSD and other psychiatric ailments and is building tests to distinguish actual patients from non-suffering individuals. We examine the current state of neuroscientific research on PTSD and its biomarkers, focusing on a recent experiment by Apostolos Georgopoulos and coworkers. Then we analyze the legal consequences of these scientific advances, both in civil and criminal law, from a comparati... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627594 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5627594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627592&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22261322%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Penney S Abstract Almost all of the world's legal systems recognize the "M'Naghten" exception to criminal responsibility: the inability to appreciate the wrongfulness of action. This exception rests on the assumption that punishment is morally justified only if the defendant was able to choose whether to do wrong. Jurists and jurisdictions differ, however, on whether to extend M'Naghten's logic to cases where the defendant understood the wrongfulness of an act but was incapable of resisting an impulse to commit it. In this article I ask whether contemporary neuroscience can help lawmakers to decide whether to adopt or retain this defense, known variously as the "irresistible impulse" defense or the "control" or "volitional" test for insanity. More specifically, I ask first... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627592 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5627592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607504&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22244083%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schmitz-Luhn B, Katzenmeier C, Woopen C Abstract Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a non-destructive, adjustable, and mainly reversible method of continuously giving electrical impulses into a small area of the brain via implanted electrodes. It has been established as a standard form of treatment for specific cases of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia. It is currently being evaluated for several mental disorders, dementia and even alcoholism. In spite of its growing practical importance, the legal issues have so far undergone almost no analysis. The article outlines both the essential legal questions of DBS from the perspective of German Law as well as major issues of the current ethical debate, and the correlation of both fields. PMID: 22244083 [PubMed... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607504 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5607504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5540026&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22178072%26dopt%3DAbstract This study sought to examine the decision-making processes used by mental health staff involved in a series of restraint episodes in an acute care setting. Thirty nurses were interviewed either individually or in focus groups to elicit their views on restraint and experience in specific incidents. Four factors which influenced the decision to restrain were identified: contextual demands; lack of alternatives; the escalatory effects of restraint itself; and perceptions of risk. While some of these factors are amenable to change through improvements in practice, training and organisational culture, nurses viewed restraint as a necessary evil, justified on the basis of the unpredictable nature of mental illness and the environment in which they worked. PMID: 22178072 [PubMed - as supplied... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5540026 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5540026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5518491&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22154472%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gatti U, Verde A Abstract This paper on Cesare Lombroso aims to assess his contribution to the criminological sciences. Although much praised worldwide, Lombroso was also the target of scathing criticism and unmitigated condemnation. Examination of Lombroso's method of data collection and analysis reveals his weakness. Indeed, his approach was extremely naive, simplistic and uncritical, aimed at irrefutably demonstrating the hypotheses that he championed, without exercising the methodological caution that was already beginning to characterize scientific research in his day. However, we must acknowledge that his biological theories of crime are undergoing new developments as a result of the recent success of biological psychiatry. On the other hand we should recognize that ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5518491 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5518491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5518493&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22153833%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ireland JL, York C Abstract The current study examines the application of capacity, psychological distress, coping and personality to an understanding of self-injurious behaviour, with a specific focus on testing the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behaviour (IPTSB). One hundred and ninety women prisoners took part, completing a history questionnaire and measures of personality, coping styles and psychological distress. It was expected that self-injurious behaviour would be predicted by higher levels of emotional functioning difficulties, by an increased capacity to engage in such behaviours, by previous self-injurious behaviour, decreased levels of emotional stability and increased levels of emotional coping behaviour. Results supported the capacity compone... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5518493 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5518493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5518492&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22153834%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Scottish convicted prisoners show deficits in recognising negative facial emotions in a pattern consistent with other antisocial populations. We also demonstrated a relationship between particular patterns of deficit and types of offending history not previously described. PMID: 22153834 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5518492 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5518492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5518495&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22153587%26dopt%3DAbstract Poisoned social climate, collective responsibility, and the abuse at Abu Ghraib-Or, the establishment of "rule that is lack of rule" Int J Law Psychiatry. 2011 Dec 5; Authors: Mestrovic SG, Romero R Abstract The authors draw upon the experiences of one of the co-authors as an expert witness in sociology for mitigation at three of the courts-martial pertaining to the abuse at Abu Ghraib that were held at Ft. Hood, Texas in the year 2005 (for Javal Davis, Sabrina Harman, and Lynndie England). In addition, this paper is based upon the thousands of pages of affidavits, testimony, and U.S. Government reports concerning Abu Ghraib. These internal government reports, as well as the Levin-McCain report, point to collective responsibility and the responsibility of individuals high i... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5518495 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5518495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5518494&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22153588%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: 95% of participants agreed that involuntary hospitalization is acceptable under certain conditions, especially - in accordance with French law - when the patient presents a risk to others. PMID: 22153588 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5518494 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5518494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499735&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22142893%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Carney T Abstract This paper draws on a multi-year Australian collaborative study of mental health review tribunals ('MHTs') in three jurisdictions (Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) undertaken in conjunction with the NSW Law and Justice Foundation, using qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the role of MHTs in advancing goals such as fairness, legality and access to treatment. Study findings regarding stakeholder and client concerns - about access to quality treatment and associated support services, review of treatment adequacy and drug regimes, and their 'participation' or dignity of engagement in review processes - are presented as variants of the need for adequate hearing 'space': temporal, jurisdictional, cognate/relational, p... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499735 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499734&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22142894%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fusco NM, Sabourin M Abstract Very little attention has been devoted to the public's opinion of media coverage of court cases despite extensive research on pretrial publicity (PTP). Following a provincial judgment to restrict media access in Quebec courthouses, a preliminary unpublished study found that the public was largely in support of these restrictions. The present study sought to expand on this finding in a more widely generalizable sample. Subjects were recruited from continuing education classes and completed a questionnaire that assessed their support for restricting journalists in courthouses. Nearly 80% of the 243 participants supported media restrictions. Although participants in the four experimental conditions and one of the control groups were largely in fa... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499734 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499733&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22142895%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Berghmans R, van der Zanden M Abstract In certain cases of chronic mental illness (for example bipolar disorder) a self-binding directive or Ulysses contract may be a helpful intervention to prevent harm to the person him- or herself and/or others. By choosing such an arrangement, the patient can indicate when and how mental health professionals may intervene against his or her will and provide indicated care which may lead to an improvement of the patient's mental condition. In the Netherlands, since 2008 the Compulsory Admissions Act has been amended and now includes a paragraph on self-binding. Starting from the Dutch debate and statutory regulation of self-binding in mental health care, a number of issues with broader relevance are discussed, particularly as these pert... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499733 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499732&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22142896%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Grieger L, Hosser D Abstract As the state of research on the relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and recidivism can be considered controversial, our prospective study investigated whether ADHD predicts recidivism in a sample of 283 male, German, young adult prisoners. Currently existing ADHD symptoms and symptoms that were present in childhood were screened according to the DSM-IV checklist criteria. Information on general and violent recidivism was gathered using government records with a follow-up period of up to five years. The prevalence of adult ADHD was six times greater than in the general population, and the number of participants who retrospectively met the criteria for a diagnosis with ADHD in childhood was ten times greater than ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499732 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5428943&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079084%26dopt%3DAbstract This article presents possible changes that may increase legal protection for the mentally ill. The concept of legal protection has at least two definitions: the state's protection of the individual's legal rights (including the right to health care) and the protection afforded to citizens from abuse and arbitrary actions by the state. Infringements on personal liberty without consent require such legal authority as is found in the Human Rights Conventions. These Conventions have precedence over national laws. Norwegian legislation is based on confidence in psychiatry as a profession. This confidence allows professionals to treat patients against their will. In some countries, initial court action is necessary before compulsory mental health care can be implemented. This should also be pos... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5428943 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5428943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5428942&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079085%26dopt%3DAbstract This article examines the relationship between the assumption of untreatability of psychopathic disorders and outpatient civil commitment, inpatient civil commitment, and insanity acquittee commitment. Research on the treatability of psychopathy is reviewed and the treatment of conditions co-morbid with psychopathy is considered. Research evidence is insufficient to support the conclusion that psychopathy is improved, worsened or not affected by treatment. Evidence does support effective treatments for conditions that can be co-morbid with psychopathic disorders including impulsive aggression which can be interpreted as a manifestation of psychopathic disorder. The absence of evidence based treatment efficacy for psychopathic disorders is a logical reason for not subjecting individuals wit... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5428942 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5428942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5428941&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079086%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews the legal, ethical and practical challenges of complying with the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) within the context of a Canadian mental health system that is overburdened and under resourced. The advent of deinstitutionalization has placed significantly increased responsibilities on the families of mentally ill individuals. While research evidences that involving family members in the care of their mentally ill relatives improves treatment outcomes, mental health practitioners constantly face the challenge of engaging family caregivers while also complying with privacy laws. The authors propose an Ontario Caregiver Recognition Act (OCRA) to formally recognize family caregivers as informal health information custodians based on the practice ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5428941 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5428941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5428940&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079087%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: Coercive measures can be reliably assessed in a standardized and comparable way under the condition of using clear joint definitions. Methodological consensus between researchers and mental health professionals on these definitions is necessary to allow comparisons of seclusion and restraint rates. The study contributes to the development of international standards on gathering coercion related data and the consistent calculation of relevant outcome parameters. PMID: 22079087 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5428940 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5428940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5428944&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079012%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jabbar F, Doherty AM, Aziz M, Kelly BD Abstract Changes in mental health legislation (e.g. Mental Health Act 2007 in England and Wales, Mental Health Act 2001 in Ireland) have generally improved adherence to international human rights standards, but also present challenges to primary care providers. When mental health legislation was substantially reformed in Ireland, 62.9% of general practitioners (GPs) felt the new legislation was not user-friendly. Majorities of GPs who felt the legislation affected their practice reported increased workloads (85%) and various other difficulties (53%). GPs who had received training about the legislation were more likely to find it user-friendly (43% versus 30.9%), and informal training (e.g. from colleagues) was just as likely as formal... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5428944 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5428944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5428945&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22071280%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gallagher M, Skubby D, Bonfine N, Munetz MR, Teller JL Abstract The increasing involvement of people with mental illness in the criminal justice system has led to the formation of specialty programs such as mental health courts (hereafter MHCs). We discuss MHCs and the teams serving these courts. Specifically, we examine team members' perceptions of MHC goals and their own and others' roles on the MHC team. Using a semi-structured interview instrument, we conducted 59 face-to-face interviews with criminal justice and mental health treatment personnel representing 11 Ohio MHCs. Findings from our qualitative data analyses reveal that MHC personnel understand individuals' roles within the teams, recognize and appreciate the importance of different roles, and share common goal... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5428945 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5428945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5302360&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21974985%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Academic background and socialization were not found to influence the decisions of students regarding IPH. Educational programs and exposure to psychiatric patients during law studies are proposed to lessen psychiatric stigma and promote better understanding between members of the two disciplines. PMID: 21974985 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5302360 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5302360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5235828&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21925734%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Laajasalo T, Salenius S, Lindberg N, Repo-Tiihonen E, Häkkänen-Nyholm H Abstract There is a paucity of studies examining psychopathy in comparable samples of violent individuals with and without psychotic illness. The main goal of the study was to assess the prevalence and nature of psychopathic traits as measured by PCL-R among Finnish homicide offenders with schizophrenia. Further, the impact of co-morbid psychopathy on the homicidal incidents, as well as the associations of psychopathy and offender background factors, among offenders with schizophrenia was investigated. A retrospective study was performed using extensive forensic psychiatric evaluation reports and crime reports as sources of information. The sample consisted of 72 homicide offenders with schizophrenia... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5235828 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5235828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5235829&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21924773%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van Leeuwen ME, Harte JM Abstract The number of (severe) violent incidents against staff caused by psychiatric inpatients is high. Victims often do not report these incidents to the police, because of various reasons. But if they do report these incidents, the judicial authorities are often reluctant in prosecuting and convicting these patients. The central question in this article is 'in which cases is it appropriate to prosecute assaultive psychiatric patients?' In order to identify the influential factors in the decision in respectively reporting, prosecuting and convicting psychiatric patients who assault staff, a literature review has been performed. On the basis of this literature it is advised to report and investigate a case when the incident resulted in severe inj... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5235829 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5235829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5235830&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21920604%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nguyen AH, Acklin MW, Fuger K, Gowensmith WN, Ignacio LA Abstract Annually thousands of insanity acquitees are released from mental hospitals when they are no longer determined to be dangerous. This research examined quality of post-acquittal Conditional Release (CR) reports submitted to the Hawaii Judiciary. Hawaii utilizes a "three panel" system for assessing trial felony competency, criminal responsibility, and conditional release, where typically two psychologists (one Department of Health and one community-based) and one community-based psychiatrist submit independent reports to the Court. One hundred fifty CR reports were rated using a 44-item report quality measure. Interrater reliability trials indicated good to excellent agreement between quality ratings. Overall ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5235830 Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5235830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5222138&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21908046%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Turner P, Ireland JL Abstract The present study aims to assess whether global and context specific attitudes influence the ability to correctly identify the motivation for aggression and selection of appropriate intervention strategies. A sample of 105 prison officers completed a measure assessing global attitudes towards prisoners, one assessing context specific attitudes towards aggression, and also a case vignette. Officers were asked to consider the motivation for aggression and to select an appropriate intervention. It was predicted that sex, age and level of experience would impact on global and context specific attitudes. Officers expressing positive global attitudes and non-aggressive context specific attitudes were expected to be more able to identify the motivati... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5222138 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5222138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5222140&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907411%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Decuyper M, De Bolle M, De Fruyt F Abstract The present study examines the associations between anger and general and maladaptive traits in a combined forensic psychiatric and community sample of men. Thirty-four male forensic psychiatric patients and 219 men from the general population completed the Novaco Anger Scale (NAS; Novaco, 1994), the NEO-PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992), the ADP-IV (Schotte & De Doncker, 1994) and the VKP (Duijsens, Haringsma, & EurelingsBontekoe, 1999) at two measurement occasions with a one-year interval. The results of a series of multiple regression analyses showed that general and maladaptive traits accounted for a substantial amount of variance in anger scores. Neuroticism, Agreeableness and Externalizing traits were most prominent i... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5222140 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5222140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5222139&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907412%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mellsop GW, Fraser D, Tapsell R, Menkes DB Abstract In considering psychiatric evidence, criminal justice systems make considerable use of labels from official psychiatric classificatory systems. There are legislated requirements for psychological and/or behavioural phenomena to be addressed in legal tests, however medico-legal use of the current categorical diagnostic frameworks which are increasingly complex is difficult to justify. The lack of validity in large domains of the present classificatory systems is now more openly acknowledged, prompting a critical rethink. Illustrative examples include post-traumatic stress disorder, various personality disorders, and dissociative identity disorder. It follows that the Courts' faith in the present categorical classifications... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5222139 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5222139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5222149&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21903271%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Spaans M, Barendregt M, Haan B, Nijman H, de Beurs E Abstract The present study empirically investigates whether personality disorders and psychopathic traits in criminal suspects are reasons for diminished criminal responsibility or enforced treatment in high security hospitals. Recently, the tenability of the claim that individuals with personality disorders and psychopathy can be held fully responsible for crimes has been questioned on theoretical bases. According to some interpretations, these disorders are due to cognitive, biological and developmental deficits that diminish the individual's accountability. The current article presents two studies among suspects of serious crimes under forensic evaluation in a Dutch forensic psychiatric observation clinic. The first s... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5222149 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5222149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5222141&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21903272%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kunst MJ Abstract Feelings of revenge have often been found to correlate with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which PTSD symptom cluster prevails in this association is, however, unknown. Furthermore, previous studies suggest that revenge may be satisfied by perceptions of perpetrator punishment severity, but did not control for concurrent symptoms of PTSD. Therefore, this study explored associations between PTSD symptom clusters, feelings of revenge, and perceived perpetrator punishment severity in a sample of victims of interpersonal violence. Results indicated that the re-experiencing/intrusion symptom cluster was the only index of PTSD which was related to victims' feelings of revenge (n=207). Revenge correlated negatively with perceptions of punishme... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5222141 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5222141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5222156&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21899889%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Russell BJ Abstract Though community treatment orders (CTOs) were first used in 1986 in Australia, debate about their clinical and ethical merits continues even today. For some, the benefits of reduced frequency and duration of involuntary hospitalizations are believed to adequately outweigh the harms of restricted liberties in community living. For others, however, such benefits are believed to be achievable by simply arranging integrated, devoted community resources sans any threat of forced re-hospitalization. In response to this enduring controversy, this article examines the ethical merits of community orders using a novel approach. "Novel" because the examination is based on research ethics and its foundational principles. When hospital and community clinicians, fami... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5222156 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5222156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5222155&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21899890%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Heinzen H, Köhler D, Godt N, Geiger F, Huchzermeier C Abstract The current study examined the relationship between psychopathy, intelligence and two variables describing the conviction history (length of conviction and number of prior convictions). It was hypothesized that psychopathy factors (interpersonal and antisocial factors assuming a 2-factor model or interpersonal, affective, lifestyle and antisocial factors assuming a 4-factor model) would be related in different ways to IQ scores, length of conviction and number of prior convictions. Psychopathy and IQ were assessed using the PCL:SV and the CFT 20-R respectively. Results indicated no association between interpersonal psychopathy features (Factor 1, two-factor model), IQ and the number of prior convictions but a ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5222155 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5222155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5161865&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21864909%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kellett NC, Willging CE Abstract Much of the mental health, substance use, and educational programming within a particular women's prison in the southwestern United States promotes individual choice and agency. Incarcerated women from rural areas are told that their ability to succeed outside of prison is primarily dependent upon their personal choices. Comparably little attention is given to preparing women for their upcoming release or to overcoming structural barriers that could undermine successful reentry within rural communities. As a result, these returning citizens, many of whom grapple with mental illness and alcohol or drug dependence, blame themselves for their inability to surmount these barriers. In this qualitative research, we draw upon the perspectives of 9... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5161865 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5161865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5144531&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21839518%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wilson AB, Draine J, Hadley T, Metraux S, Evans A Abstract This paper describes the recidivism patterns over a 4year period for a cohort of people admitted to a large US urban jail system in 2003 and analyzes how these patterns vary based on presence of mental illness and substance abuse. Jail detention and behavioral health service records were merged for all admissions to a large urban jail system in 2003 (N=24,290). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the recidivism patterns for people admitted to jail in 2003 (N=20,112) over a four year period. Recidivism patterns of people without mental illness or substance use disorders were compared with people with serious mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and dual diagnoses. These analyses found that over half of... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5144531 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5144531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5144548&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21831440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Draine J, Hadley T PMID: 21831440 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5144548 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5144548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119170&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21820177%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Watson AC, Ottati VC, Draine J, Morabito M The goals of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs include improving safety during encounters between police and persons with mental illnesses, diverting persons with mental illnesses away from the criminal justice system, and increasing referral and access to mental health services. CIT is a systemic intervention, and as such, its implementation and effectiveness are influenced by existing practices and infrastructures. However, little research has considered the context in which CIT programs are implemented. In this paper, we present research on CIT in four Chicago police districts that vary in terms of two contextual factors hypothesized to influence the impact of CIT training on how calls involving persons with mental illnesses ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119170 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119173&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21816479%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matejkowski J, Festinger DS, Benishek LA, Dugosh KL Neither punitive nor therapeutic approaches alone are effective at addressing the dual public health and public safety concerns associated with managing criminal behavior perpetrated by people who have psychiatric and substance use disorders. The optimal solution may instead require the integration of both criminal justice supervision and treatment. Using problem-solving courts (PSCs) as a model, we focus on one dimension of this integrated approach, distinguishing between behavior that stems from willful noncompliance with supervision and behavior that results from nonresponsivity to treatment. First, we discuss the public health and public safety consequences of using singular approaches to address the criminal behavior of ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119173 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119175&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21807412%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stanhope V, Dunn K Evidence Based Policy has been articulated and practiced in Europe, particularly under the 'New Labour' policies of the former Labour government in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the impact of research on policy has been inconsistent due to differing relationships between researchers and policy makers. This paper gives an overview of evidence based policy and presents critiques based on its reliance on positivist methods and technical approach to policy making. Using these critiques as a framework, the paper discusses the case of Housing First, a policy adopted by the Bush Administration in order to address the problem of chronic homelessness. The case is an example of research driven policy making but also resulted in a progressive policy being p... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119175 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119177&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21802731%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to understand the health-seeking experiences, perceptions of risk, and medical and mental health needs of former prisoners in the first two months after release from prison. Participants consisted of 29 former inmates within the first two months after their release from prison to the Denver, Colorado area. Using qualitative methods, trained interviewers conducted individual, in-person, semi-structured interviews exploring participants' experiences with health, mental health, and health care since release. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed utilizing a team-based approach to inductive analysis. We found that health-related behavior occurred in the context of a complex life experience, with logistical problems exacerbated by emotional distress. Majo... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119177 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119179&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21802145%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rowe M, Baranoski M The concept of citizenship in regard to persons with mental illness has gained increasing attention in recent years, but little empirical research has been conducted on this topic. In addition, little research or conceptual writing has been done on the topic of criminal justice in regard to citizenship for people with mental illness, in spite of the high incidence of criminal charges and incarceration among this group. We review our work on an applied theoretical framework of citizenship, including its origins in mental health outreach work to people who are homeless and in a jail diversion program. We then suggest the contribution the framework can make to the intersecting issues of mental illness, its criminalization in the U.S., and the goal of community... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119179 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119187&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21794919%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Draine J, McTighe L, Bourgois P In the context of US urban jails, incarceration is often seen as an opportune intervention point for prevention interventions in public health. For the detained individual, it is an opportunity to reflect on individual choices and the potential for changes in one's life course. For population focused public health professionals, jail detention facilities represent a concentration of health risks, and an opportunity to have an impact on a significant portion of those at risk for HIV and other health concerns. This paper presents an innovative education and empowerment model that bridges across jail walls, beginning on the inside, and continuing on the outside of jail where individuals continue to be challenged and supported toward positive health... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119187 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119181&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21794920%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Senior J, Shaw J In 2009, two seminal documents were published by the United Kingdom (UK) government concerning healthcare services for offenders. The Bradley review into diversion for people with mental health problems and learning disabilities emphasised a need to improve offender health, not least because of the high economic costs to society as a whole resulting from unresolved mental illness, physical ill-health and substance abuse problems commonly experienced by offenders. The Bradley review made wide-reaching recommendations for change, requiring strong partnership between health and justice agencies at both central government and local levels. A framework for the delivery of Bradley's recommendations has been set out in Improving health, supporting justice, the Depart... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119181 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4879001&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21592578%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Leon CS The U.S. has dramatically revised its approach to punishment in the last several decades. In particular, people convicted of sex crimes have experienced a remarkable expansion in social control through a wide-range of post-conviction interventions. While this expansion may be largely explained by general punishment trends, there appear to be unique factors that have prevented other penal reforms from similarly modulating sex offender punishment. In part, this continuation of a "penal harm" approach to sex offenders relates to the past under-valuing of sexual victimization. In the "bad old days," the law and its agents sent mixed messages about sexual violence and sexual offending. Some sexual offending was mere nuisance, some was treatable, and a fraction "deserved" pu... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4879001 Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4879001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4879000&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21596438%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lave TR This paper examines the pervasive conviction that sex offenders - particularly child molesters - will continue to re-offend. This belief in inevitable recidivism turns out to be absolutely essential to both the justification for, and the structure of, the sexually violent predator laws. When actual evidence of sex offender recidivism is examined, however, a huge gap exists between what is assumed and what the data actually show because most sex offenders do not in fact re-offend. Thus there is a galaxy of sexually violent predator laws and an entire branch of Supreme Court jurisprudence that is founded upon a demonstrable urban legend. PMID: 21596438 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4879000 Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4879000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4827822&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21565406%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lamade R, Gabriel A, Prentky R Sexual violence is an insidious and pervasive problem that insinuates itself into all aspects of contemporary society. It can neither be mitigated nor adequately controlled through current socio-legal practices. A more promising approach must embrace four integrated elements: (1) public policy, (2) primary prevention, (3) statutory management, and (3) secondary intervention. In the present paper we tackle the 3rd and 4th elements by proposing an integrated model for reducing and managing sexual violence among known sex offenders. Relying on the highly effective Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model as the core of our Sex Offender Risk Mitigation and Management Model (SORM(3)), we draw together evidence based practices from clinical interventions and... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4827822 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4827822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4827852&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21555154%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lieb R, Kemshall H, Thomas T In recent years, both the United States and United Kingdom have developed numerous innovations in legal efforts to protect society from sex offenders. Each country has adopted special provisions for sex offenders. In particular, governments have focused on forms of social control after release from incarceration and probation. These policy innovations for this category of offenders have been more far reaching than those for any other offender population. The two jurisdictions have adopted policies with similar goals, but the selected strategies have important differences. Generally speaking, the U.S. has favored an ever-expanding set of policies that place sex offenders into broad categories, with few opportunities that distinguish the appropriate ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4827852 Fri, 06 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4827852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828057&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550115%26dopt%3DAbstract This article argues that indeterminate sentencing is the optimal means of preventing recidivism among sex offenders, both as an instrumental matter and jurisprudentially. Once a person is convicted of an offense, the duration and nature of sentence should be based on a back-end decision made by experts in recidivism reduction, within broad ranges set by the legislature. This position is defended against a number of objections, including claims that such a system relies on flawed risk assessments, ignores societal views of justice, denigrates offenders and victims, undermines deterrence and norm enforcement, depends too heavily on costly, uneven and demoralizing risk management schemes, and, as a result of one or more of these objections, is unconstitutional. PMID: 21550115 [PubMed - as... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828057 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4827976&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550661%26dopt%3DAbstract This article examines why this data deficit has characterized the social and political evolution of the laws and considers the prospects for their migration to other nations. PMID: 21550661 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4827976 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4827976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4827926&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550662%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schultz PD Law consists of a series of stories, narratives that embody the values and integrity of a culture. We define crimes, and label the individuals who commit them, along a continuum that moves from the merely unacceptable to the monstrous. One of the most heinous crimes in American society is considered to be child sexual abuse. The sexual abuser of children is firmly established in the public imagination as a modern-day bogeyman, and approaches to prevention and punishment reflect this artificially accelerated panic. Although public policies and correctional measures ostensibly are geared at preventing the crime, they reflect a fundamental misunderstanding as to the motivation of many offenders and the way in which child sexual abuse is perceived as a source of social ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4827926 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4827926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828084&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21531463%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wakefield JC In order to prevent sexual crimes, "sexual predator" laws now allow indefinite preventive civil commitment of criminals who have completed their prison sentences but are judged to have a paraphilic mental disorder that makes them likely to commit another crime. Such proceedings can bypass the usual protections of criminal law as long as the basis for incarceration is the attribution of a mental disorder. Thus, the difficult conceptual distinction between deviant sexual desires that are mental disorders versus those that are normal variations in sexual preference (even if they are eccentric, repugnant, or illegal if acted upon) has attained critical forensic significance. Yet, the concept of paraphilic disorders - called "perversions" in earlier times - is inherent... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828084 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828107&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21531024%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Colombino N, Mercado CC, Levenson J, Jeglic E Recently, legislative initiatives to prevent sex crime recidivism include the passage of child safety zones (also called loitering zones) that prohibit sex offenders from lingering near places where children congregate. The ability of policies such as these or residence restrictions to curb sexual recidivism depends on the empirical reality of sex offender perpetration patterns. As such, the current study sought to examine locations where sex offenders first come into contact with their victims and whether sex crime locations differ among those who perpetrate offenses against children as compared to those who perpetrate offenses against adults. Further, this study examined actuarial risk scores and recidivism rates among offenders ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828107 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828145&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21529944%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hebenton B Many commentators have pointed to the monstrous nature of sexual violence, with its related sense of pollution and disgust. In response, post-release regulation has a 'hot' quality: in the USA, sexually violent predator statutes, residency requirements, GPS satellite monitoring, and variations on the theme of community notification all speak of the expressiveness of the response. 'Hot' signifies and has embedded within it an 'individualist' rather than 'structural' account of action, emphasises a dramaturgical reading of the social world, and privileges the political rather than the problem-solving sphere. What has been far less explored, until recently, is research and prevention policy related specifically to the sexual violence itself, or the situation in which t... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828145 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828128&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21529945%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ackerman AR, Harris AJ, Levenson JS, Zgoba K Despite growing focus on registration and notification systems as central elements of national sex offender management practice, there has been remarkably little systematic analysis of the content of these registries and the diversity of individuals contained within them. Specifically, little research attention has been paid to examining the heterogeneity of the population of registered sex offenders - a circumstance that may obscure important distinctions within the population and, in turn, may undermine the ostensible purpose of SORN to prevent sexual victimization. Addressing this significant gap in our current knowledge, this article sets forth a national profile of the registered sex offender (RSO) population, drawn from an ana... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828128 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828161&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21524794%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stinson JD, Becker JV Individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who have also engaged in illegal sexual behavior present a unique challenge for our legal and clinical systems. Frequently, these individuals may engage in problematic sexual behaviors which result in hospitalization rather than incarceration, and an overburdened and resource-deficient public community mental health system is ill-equipped to address the seriousness of these sexual behaviors. We have a rather limited understanding of how prevention programs, intervention strategies, and risk assessment would work with this population. Here we evaluate data from a sample of 245 inpatient psychiatric sexual offenders in a forensic mental health setting and compare these with what information has already ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828161 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4669293&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21444114%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: The results support the cross-ethnic generalizability of the three-factor model of psychopathy as measured through the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory. PMID: 21444114 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4669293 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4669293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4669309&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21440939%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Burns F Seniors in Australia are being called upon to mortgage their most precious economic asset, the family home. They may be asked to guarantee the liabilities of other family members by providing a mortgage-based guarantee or they may decide to enter into a reverse mortgage to supplement financially their savings and pensions. As the family home is the single most valuable asset for most older Australians, the creation of any obligations in regard to it ought to be undertaken with care and vigilance. While seniors are free to create mortgages, they may lack the capacity to understand the legal ramifications of these complex transactions or be unable to protect their interests when entering into them. It is not suggested that older Australians necessarily suffer a lack of c... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4669309 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4669309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4669386&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21420172%26dopt%3DAbstract This article discusses potential future challenges, describes strategies to address this problem, and relates this issue to psychiatry. Mental health providers may have the role of evaluating both the victims and perpetrators of child sex tourism. The authors propose a classification system for offenses and an initial list of topics to discuss with victims. The authors also describe the proper mechanism for reporting United States citizens suspected of participating in child sex tourism. PMID: 21420172 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4669386 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4669386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4669319&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21420173%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined the prevalence of mental disorders and the recommendations regarding criminal responsibility and treatment in pre-trial mental health evaluations requested by Dutch juvenile courts for youths between the ages of 12 to 17. Youths of native Dutch (n=2694) and of ethnic minority background (n=1393) were compared. The prevalence of mental disorders was similar for both groups (76.8% versus 74.4%). Criminal responsibility in native Dutch youth was more often considered 'diminished' or 'strongly diminished' than in ethnic minority youth. Admission to a juvenile institution was more often recommended for ethnic minority juveniles than for native Dutch juveniles. It remains unclear from our data whether these differences reflect a false stereotype of ethnic minority populations as bein... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4669319 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4669319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361411&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21168914%26dopt%3DAbstract This study deals with the frequency with which expert psychiatrists and psychologists make structural or nosographic diagnoses within the context of expert assessment. Thus, the rates of concordance between psychiatrists and psychologists in both types of diagnoses will be assessed. To do so, the level of inter-observer agreement on diagnoses between 1990 and 2003 was studied retrospectively in France through psychiatric and psychological assessments of 505 male offenders. The assessment of the correlation rates was carried out using the Kappa coefficient. The results show a range of 0.55 to 0.71 in inter-observer (psychiatrists vs psychologists) agreement for structural diagnoses, and 0.51 to 0.89 for nosographic diagnoses. In addition, a marked correlation between psychiatrists and psych... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361411 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4361411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361412&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21159382%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews the legal basis for the development of forensic psychiatry in China, the organization of clinical assessments, and training of forensic psychiatrists. Regulations for the management of patients in Ankang hospitals and the role of forensic psychiatrists within the Criminal Justice system are described. The primary role of forensic psychiatrists is to provide expert opinions on competence to stand trial and criminal responsibility in criminal cases. They are increasingly involved in civil court proceedings and tribunals at the request of a range of official agencies. The clinical cases assessed by Chinese forensic psychiatrists are very similar to those of their counterparts in Western countries, but the organizational and legal framework for these assessments reflects a... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361412 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4361412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4261294&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21138782%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ritter C, Teller JL, Marcussen K, Munetz MR, Teasdale B The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model is a specialized police response program for people in a mental illness crisis. We analyzed 2174 CIT officers' reports from one community, which were completed during a five year period. These officers' reports described interactions with people presumed to be in a mental illness crisis. We used hierarchical logistic and multinomial regression analyses to compare transport to treatment to either transport to jail or no transport by how the calls were dispatched. The results revealed that both dispatch codes and officers' on-scene assessments influenced transport decisions. Specifically, calls dispatched as suspected suicide were more likely to be transported to treatment than calls... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4261294 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4261294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4261293&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21144587%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Differences in attitude could partly be explained by the respondents' role in mental health care. Both psychiatrists and "somatic" physicians expressed more agreement with the present legislation than the other stakeholders. The findings may have implications for the legal protection of mental health care patients. PMID: 21144587 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4261293 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4261293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230427&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21122915%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mokros A, Neumann CS, Stadtland C, Osterheider M, Nedopil N, Hare RD Cross-cultural research on psychopathy necessitates assessment methods that are generalizable across linguistic and cultural differences. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare the factorial structure of Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) assessments obtained from file reviews of North-American (N=2622) and German (N=443) male offenders. The analyses indicated that the 18 item, 4-factor model of the PCL-R obtained with the standard PCL-R protocol (interview and file review) also holds for file review data. On a factor-by-factor level, the data are commensurate with strong factorial invariance of factor loadings and item thresholds for the Interpersonal and Lifestyle factors, and wi... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230427 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4230427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230425&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21122917%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vandevelde S, Soyez V, Vander Beken T, De Smet S, Boers A, Broekaert E According to the EUPRIS-study on mental health in prisons (2007), available data on mental disorders in prison are scarce. Therefore, this study aims at summarizing and discussing the available knowledge on incarcerated mentally ill offenders concerning: (1) the screening and assessment for detecting mental health; (2) the psychiatric expertise in order to evaluate the mental status; and (3) the development and provision of forensic psychiatric treatment and care. These findings will be applied to the current situation in Belgium, which is a particularly interesting case. Belgium is currently facing difficulties concerning a large population of interned mentally ill offenders residing in correctional establ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230425 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4230425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230424&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21126765%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of Tasers into policing in New Zealand will disproportionately impact on people with mental illness. Guidelines are needed to manage the future use of Tasers in mental health emergencies. PMID: 21126765 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230424 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4230424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230423&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21126766%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: These data provide the first comprehensive description of the mental health of detainees in Switzerland's largest remand prison. Our findings emphasize the need for coordinated health care services in detention settings. PMID: 21126766 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230423 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4230423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230426&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21122916%26dopt%3DAbstract This study compares the use of stigmatizing and reintegrative shame - as specified in Braithwaite's Crime, shame and reintegration (1989) - across traditional criminal court and mental health court settings. Items from the Global Observational Ratings Instrument were used to gather data on 87 traditional court cases and 91 mental health court cases, presided over by five different judges. The observational items capture three constructs: respect, disapproval, and forgiveness, as they apply to Braithwaite's theory. We present means tests to examine differences in shaming between court types and judges. Findings show that the mental health court is more likely to use reintegrative shaming and show respect and forgiveness for offenders, and less likely to show disapproval. Similarly, judges w... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230426 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4230426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230429&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21112634%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: The classification system developed for this study provided a transparent and probably reliable means of classifying 75% of Australia's mental health legislation. The inherent ambiguity of the terminology used in two jurisdictions means that further development of classification may not be possible until the meaning of the terms used has been addressed in case law. With respect to the 6 jurisdictions for which classification was possible, the findings suggest that Australia's mental health legislation relies on 'need for care' and not on 'dangerousness' as the guiding principle for IC&T. PMID: 21112634 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230429 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4230429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230428&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21112635%26dopt%3DAbstract We present a neurobiological, and weakly determinist, framework for understanding how persons can exercise guidance control over their conduct. This framework is based upon classical conditioning of neurons in the prefrontal cortex that allow for a decision making mechanism that provides for prefrontal cortical control of the sites in the brain which express aggressive behavior that include the hypothalamus and midbrain periaqueductal gray. The authors support the view that, in many circumstances, neural conditioning mechanisms provide the basis for the control of human aggression in spite of the presence of brain serotonin levels that might otherwise favor the expression of impulsive aggressive behavior. Indeed if those neural conditioning mechanisms underlie the human capacity to exercis... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230428 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4230428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159651&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21062667%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Simon LM, Ellwanger SJ, Haggerty J Therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) proposes that the law is a social force that can heal or cause harm to parties in a legal action. Historically, women victims of intimate partner rape and domestic violence could not seek justice in the legal system because police, like other actors in the justice system, treated these offenses as private matters or fabrications. In domestic violence and intimate rape cases, TJ is concerned with the needs of the victims, and how the law and police play a role in increasing their well-being. In this article, we use a TJ approach to the study of police responsiveness to victims of these offenses by investigating arrests of the offenders pursuant to law reforms that encourage or mandate arrest. Given that in these ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159651 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4159651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4126100&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21030089%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wright JL Adult guardianship is a coercive exercise of the state's power over an innocent individual, justified only by: 1) the ward's incapacity; and 2) the need to protect the ward's well-being. The raison d'être of guardianship is to improve the well-being of the incapacitated ward. Studies of actual guardianship proceedings have long indicated serious ongoing concerns with the process. Repeated revisions of statutes have attempted to improve guardianship procedures, with some success. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the actual effect of guardianship on the well-being of respondents and wards, when the system functions as intended. The presumption that guardianship, when not abused, is in the best interests of an incapacitated adult is called into ser... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4126100 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4126100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4113466&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20980056%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wiener RL, Winick BJ, Georges LS, Castro A Recent years have seen a proliferation of problem solving courts designed to rehabilitate certain classes of offenders and thereby resolve the underlying problems that led to their court involvement in the first place. Some commentators have reacted positively to these courts, considering them an extension of the philosophy and logic of Therapeutic Jurisprudence, but others show concern that the discourse surrounding these specialty courts has not examined their process or outcomes critically enough. This paper examines that criticism from historical and social scientific perspectives. The analysis culminates in a model that describes how offenders are likely to respond to the process as they engage in problem solving court programs a... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4113466 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4113466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4113467&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20970193%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Winick BJ, Wexler DB PMID: 20970193 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4113467 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4113467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4099024&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20952067%26dopt%3DAbstract This article will describe and discuss this pioneering model. It also will situate this model within the context of other problem-solving courts and discuss how the court uses principles and approaches of therapeutic jurisprudence. The paper presents some preliminary data that describe the social and legal characteristics of 20 defendants in the Domestic Violence Mental Health Court followed over a two year period between 2005 and 2007. PMID: 20952067 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4099024 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4099024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4099025&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20947166%26dopt%3DAbstract "Too stubborn to ever be governed by enforced insanity": Some therapeutic jurisprudence dilemmas in the representation of criminal defendants in incompetency and insanity cases. Int J Law Psychiatry. 2010 Oct 12; Authors: Perlin ML Little attention has been paid to the importance of the relationship between therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) and the role of criminal defense lawyers in insanity and incompetency-to-stand-trial (IST) cases. That inattention is especially noteworthy in light of the dismal track record of counsel providing services to defendants who are part of this cohort of incompetency-status-raisers and insanity-defense-pleaders. On one hand, this lack of attention is a surprise as TJ scholars have, in recent years, turned their attention to virtually every other as... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4099025 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4099025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4067262&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20932578%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McWilliam N This paper reports an exploratory study of a school peer mediation program implemented as an alternative way to manage bullying and other destructive conflict. The study explores the effects of the program on the well-being of members of the school community by examining perceptions of students, staff and a sample of parents and former students. Drawing on therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) the study explores whether the component parts of the program, separately or together, promote intended or unintended therapeutic effects. The preliminary findings of the study emphasise the importance of peer mediation training and suggest that existing scholarship in the area of school conflict resolution and peer mediation, when viewed through a TJ lens, may provide valuable insi... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4067262 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4067262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4067261&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20932579%26dopt%3DAbstract This article uses sex legislation as an example to demonstrate how the old rape law based on coercion has anti-therapeutic effects on rape victims. If the law requires resistance, it implies that a woman is sexually available until she resists physically, resulting in an attitude that a woman reporting rape without injuries should be mistrusted. This mistrust of the victim and the victim's attendant feelings of self-blame aggravate the victim's trauma. On the other hand, a modern rape law based on lack of consent gives the signal that a woman is not available until she has given her consent, resulting in a different starting position for the investigation. Since the will of the victim must be respected, the victim herself must be respected in the legal process. Furthermore, being able to t... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4067261 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4067261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4053694&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20923716%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Peterson R For more than thirty-five years a paradigm of low expectations has infected efforts to educate children with disabilities and has been a persistent and stubborn obstacle to the successful implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and its predecessor, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA). This dilemma raises questions addressed in this paper: What is meant by low expectations in the context of Special Education Law? What are the root causes of this phenomenon, and what makes it so resistant to change? How does it impede implementation of the IDEA? And lastly, in what ways does the paradigm of low expectations impact children with disabilities socially, emotionally, and psychologically? The primary purpose of this paper... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4053694 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4053694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4053693&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20923717%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Birgden A, Grant L A Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Center (CDTCC) was established in Australia in 2006 for repeat drug-related male offenders. Compulsory treatment law is inconsistent with a therapeutic jurisprudence approach. Despite the compulsory law, a normative offender rehabilitation framework has been established based on offender moral rights. Within moral rights, the offender rehabilitation framework addresses the core values of freedom (supporting autonomous decision-making) and well-being (supporting support physical, social, and psychological needs). Moral rights are underpinned by a theory or principle which, in this instance, is a humane approach to offender rehabilitation. While a law that permits offenders to choose drug treatment and rehabilitation is... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4053693 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4053693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4053695&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20920823%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Feigenson N The effects of audiovisual communications on the emotional and psychological well-being of participants in the legal system have not been previously examined. Using as a framework for analysis what Slobogin (1996) calls internal balancing (of therapeutic versus antitherapeutic effects) and external balancing (of therapeutic jurisprudence [TJ] effects versus effects on other legal values), this brief paper discusses three examples that suggest the complexity of evaluating courtroom audiovisuals in TJ terms. In each instance, audiovisual displays that are admissible based on their arguable probative or explanatory value - day-in-the-life movies, victim impact videos, and computer simulations of litigated events - might well reduce stress and thus improve the psycholo... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4053695 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4053695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031706&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20889209%26dopt%3DAbstract This article suggests that the Treaty principles such as partnership, active protection and participation place an onus upon the Crown to protect and provide for the health needs and cultural identity of Maori. It is proposed that a Mental Health Court underpinned by therapeutic jurisprudence can provide a solution. PMID: 20889209 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031706 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4031706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031707&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20889208%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dahlin MK, Leviner P, Kaldal A, Gumpert CH This paper presents a brief overview of the legal theoretical problems that arise in connection with the societal ambition of protecting vulnerable groups. One of the central difficulties in legislation with proactive and therapeutic ambitions arises from the link between law and philosophy of science, i.e., the relationship between facts and norms. It is shown that Therapeutic Jurisprudence differs in several aspects from Swedish legal scholarship that follows Scandinavian Legal Realism. It is also demonstrated that Therapeutic Jurisprudence has several similarities with the so-called Proactive Approach. This paper suggests that Therapeutic Jurisprudence may serve as a useful legal theoretical perspective in Swedish legal scholarship... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031707 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4031707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031708&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20888646%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Campbell AT Translation of evidence-based practice (EBP) into health care policy is of growing importance, with discussions most often focused on how to fund and otherwise promote EBP through policy (i.e., at system level, beyond the bedside). Less attention has been focused on how to ensure that such policies - as enacted and implemented, and as distinguished from the practices underlying policies - do not themselves cause harm, or at least frustrate accomplishment of "therapeutic" goals of EBP. On a different front, principles of therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) in law have been developed, most prominently in certain areas of law (e.g., mental health and family law), to support more collaborative, less traumatic advocacy and conflict resolution. This paper draws on current app... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031708 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4031708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031709&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20888044%26dopt%3DAbstract This article demonstrates the usefulness of an innovative framework called "Relationship-Centered Lawyering" to enhancing real world legal practice. It uses the example of lawyers, particularly criminal defense lawyers, who often deal with clients with cognitive challenges. The article developed out of a series of workshops conducted jointly by the co-authors, an American law professor with a social work background, and a Canadian criminal defense lawyer and family mediator who is an international expert on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other Neuro-Behavioral Disorders (FA/NB). The paper describes the relational theory Brooks developed (along with Robert Madden), along with the science of cognitive impairments, with a specific focus on FA/NB. The paper provides two illustrations of t... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031709 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4031709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031712&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20880589%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dewhurst D Authors examining the developing dispute resolution alternatives to the adversarial system have identified nine converging "vectors" or alternatives in what has been termed the Comprehensive Law Movement. These authors have sought to understand how the developing vectors can remain separate and vibrant movements while sharing common ground. Some analyze these developments as being within law and legal practice, others see them as alternative approaches to law, and still others take a combined approach. It will be impossible to understand how these vectors have meaningful differences from law and legal practice if the search is limited to looking within law and legal practice. It will be impossible to understand how these vectors have meaningful commonalities with la... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031712 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4031712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031711&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20884050%26dopt%3DAbstract This article suggests that while protection and support of victims should be the prime concern of family violence courts, a form of judging that engages offenders in the development and implementation of solutions for their problems and supports their implementation is more likely to promote their positive behavioral change than other approaches to judicial supervision. The approach to judging proposed in this article draws from therapeutic jurisprudence, feminist theory, transformational leadership and solution-focused brief therapy principles. PMID: 20884050 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031711 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4031711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031710&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20884051%26dopt%3DAbstract This article contends that defining the best interests standard of surrogate decision-making for older adults in terms of optimal or ideal choices (truly the patient's "best" interests) frequently sets out an unrealizable goal for surrogates to satisfy. Instead, a decision-making standard based on the incapacitated person's "therapeutic" interests is more realistic and hence more honest to adopt and apply from legal, ethical, and medical perspectives. PMID: 20884051 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031710 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4031710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018539&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20875685%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fisher RP, Geiselman RE Police officers receive little or no training to conduct interviews with cooperative witnesses, and as a result they conduct interviews poorly, eliciting less information than is available and providing little support to assist victims overcome psychological problems that may have arisen from the crime. We analyze the components of a typical police interview that limits the amount of information witnesses communicate, and which militate against victims' overcoming psychological problems. We then describe an alternative interviewing protocol, the Cognitive Interview, which enhances witness recollection and also likely contributes to victims' well being. The component elements of the Cognitive Interview are described, with emphasis on those elements that ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018539 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4018539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913439&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797790%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schneider RD Research techniques in the fields of mental health courts and diversion need to be improved. As well, insights are provided as to how the evaluations of these programs could be strengthened. There are reports from jurisdictions managing mentally disordered accused in the criminal justice system without the benefit of these programs. A distillation of the commonalities from those jurisdictions suggests that providing the police with better options at first instance (pre-arrest diversion), broader discretion on the part of the prosecutor (pre-plea diversion), and greater jurisdiction on the part of the courts (to impose treatment and monitoring) may have provided those jurisdictions with an adequately functioning system which, as of yet, has not created a need for m... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913439 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3913439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3814283&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20667593%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Frailing K The present study examines legal, service use and substance abuse outcomes for a sample of participants in the Washoe County, Nevada MHC and suggests what occurs during MHC enrollment that is associated with these outcomes. A comparison of participants and graduates to a comparable control group reveals significantly fewer jail days for the MHC participants and graduates, both when measured against the control group and their own pre-mental health court histories. There was also a significant drop in psychiatric hospitalization days for the MHC participants and graduates and a decrease in positive drug and alcohol tests over the course of enrollment in the court. Observations of the MHC sessions reveal a nonadversarial atmosphere in which participants interact direc... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3814283 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3814283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3814282&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20667594%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Svennerlind C, Nilsson T, Kerekes N, Andiné P, Lagerkvist M, Forsman A, Anckarsäter H, Malmgren H Historically, the Swedish criminal justice system conformed to other Western penal law systems, exempting severely mentally disordered offenders considered to be unaccountable. However, in 1965 Sweden enforced a radical penal law abolishing exceptions based on unaccountability. Mentally disordered offenders have since then been subjected to various forms of sanctions motivated by the offender's need for care and aimed at general prevention. Until 2008, a prison sentence was not allowed for offenders found to have committed a crime under the influence of a severe mental disorder, leaving forensic psychiatric care the most common sanction in this group. Such offenders are neve... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3814282 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3814282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3814281&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20667595%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Konrad N, Lau S Mentally disordered prisoners in Germany are subject to special legal regulations, which can be traced back to the 1933 "Dangerous Habitual Offenders and their Detention and Rehabilitation Act". There are no special diversion programs in Germany but diversion does in fact happen via legal regulations that are based on the construct of legal responsibility. Diversion refers to the removal of offenders from the criminal justice system at any stage of the procedure and court proceedings. In recent years the number of occupied beds in forensic psychiatric hospitals has continued to rise. At the same time the number of people in prisons has slightly decreased while there has been a slight increase in the number of available beds in general psychiatry. Germany experi... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3814281 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3814281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3799136&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20659768%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wales HW, Hiday VA, Ray B Based on qualitative observation and quantitative data from eight mental health courts (MHCs), this article argues that observed reductions in recidivism from participation in MHC are caused in part by the role of the judge in conveying elements of procedural justice. Specifically, the judge provides: (1) a heightened level of interpersonal treatment of participants that accords them dignity, respect, and voice; (2) accountability for participants and service providers alike; and (3) transparency for decisions reached through an open negotiation process. Procedural justice theory predicts that participants will thereby be more likely to see legal decisions as legitimate and incorporate the court's values and goals as their own. Preliminary qualitative... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3799136 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3799136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3799140&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20655110%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McNiel DE, Binder RL To reduce criminal justice involvement of persons with mental disorders, many communities have created mental health courts. Early mental health courts were restricted to persons charged with nonviolent misdemeanors. Recently mental health courts have begun to accept persons charged with felonies and violent crimes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the process and outcomes of a mental health court that accepts persons charged with more serious offenses from the perspective of stakeholders in the court. Data come from semi-structured interviews with 43 professionals involved with the mental health court, including judges, attorneys, probation officers, case managers, mental health professionals, and agency administrators. The stakeholder... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3799140 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3799140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3799139&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20655594%26dopt%3DAbstract This article provides an overview of mental health courts and diversion programs operating for offenders with mental illnesses in Australia. Methods of diversion that have been established in Australia include Magistrates courts diversion programs, psychiatric court liaison services and legislative powers of diversion. Some of the problems associated with diversionary options are discussed and recommendations for reform made. It is argued that no matter what form diversionary programs take, detailed consideration must be given to how the court or program will be evaluated and that sufficient funding be allocated for ongoing evaluation. PMID: 20655594 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3799139 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3799139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3799138&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20655595%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: James DV The form that diversion mechanisms take in a given jurisdiction will be influenced both by mental health law and sentencing policies, and by the structure of criminal justice and health care systems. In England and Wales, treatment in hospital in lieu of any other sentence is available as a disposal option following a finding of guilt. In addition, there is a National Health Service, free at the point of delivery, the existence of which creates the potential for a co-ordinated nationwide response to mental disorder within the criminal justice system. In recent years, the National Health Service has taken over the delivery of health care in prisons, including psychiatric services, with the principle being one of equivalence between the quality of health provision provi... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3799138 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3799138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3799137&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20655596%26dopt%3DAbstract This article describes the mental health court programs of Washoe County and Clark County, Nevada, their organization, their therapeutic goals, and their success in keeping mentally ill offenders out of the correctional system, while improving their mental condition. In so doing, the program has lightened the load of the overburdened courts and has greatly diminished the financial burden incurred for court trials and jail and prison stays. PMID: 20655596 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3799137 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3799137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3799135&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20663560%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Slinger E, Roesch R While problem-solving courts may soon become permanent fixtures within the criminal justice system in Canada, little is actually known of their effectiveness in dealing with crime. The current paper will review the fundamental basis for these court models, with special attention on their arrival in Canada. The focus will be on three particular forms of problem-solving courts - mental health court, drug treatment court and community court - due in large part to the availability of literature. Existing evaluations, both process and outcome, of both the Canadian and American models will be discussed and their inadequacies addressed. It is hoped that this article will serve to dispel myths surrounding the ethical application of random assignment when evaluating... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3799135 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3799135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3768143&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20638726%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined the number of court appearances that were mandated versus attended, the number of bench warrants issued, and the proportion of court appearances that were made in-custody versus out-of-custody. Finally, we describe and report on the proportion of clients at each court who had graduated, had been terminated, or who were still in the court one year following enrollment. PMID: 20638726 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3768143 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3768143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3665118&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20546896%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was a first step towards identifying persons suffering from a mental illness who may be at risk for violence by identifying who, among first episode clients, may be more likely to perpetrate violent behaviours. Targeted interventions and strategies may be further refined so that individuals receiving mental health services may be better served. PMID: 20546896 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3665118 Thu, 20 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3665118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3586597&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20483159%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Robinson R, Acklin MW This paper examined quality of forensic reports submitted to the Hawaii Judiciary. Hawaii utilizes a three panel system for assessing fitness to proceed, where two psychologists and one psychiatrist submit independent reports to the Court. Utilizing a survey instrument based on previous research and nationally-derived quality standards, 150 competency to stand trial (CST) reports were examined. Reports demonstrated pervasive mediocrity with respect to quality (Mean QC=68.95, SD=15.21). One quarter (N=38) of the reports scored at or above 80% of the maximum possible score. Levels of CST agreement between evaluators and evaluators and judges were high. Report quality did not differ as a function of evaluator professional identity. Full-time employed evaluat... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3586597 Sat, 15 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3586597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3574267&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20471087%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study the underlying structure of psychopathy in women was examined by testing the two-factor model by Hare (2003) and the three-factor solution by Cooke and Michie (2001) using confirmatory factor analysis. We replicated the study by Warren et al. (2003) using a nationwide sample of 97 female homicide offenders in order to facilitate the comparison of results. The prevalence of psychopathy in the present study was 9.3% with a cut-off of >/=30 and 21.6% with a cut-off of >/=25. The best fit for the data out of the tested models was the three-factor model with six testlets. The two-factor model proved to be too simple a model for the female homicide data. The findings regarding comorbidity of psychopathy with personality disorders show that the concept of psychopathy includes ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3574267 Tue, 11 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3574267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567145&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20466423%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schaefer GA, Mundt IA, Feelgood S, Hupp E, Neutze J, Ahlers CJ, Goecker D, Beier KM Little is known about men who have not yet committed child sexual abuse but may be at risk of doing so (potential offenders) and the factors that distinguish these men from undetected child sexual abuse offenders with a sexual interest in children (Dunkelfeld offenders). The present study describes and compares potential and Dunkelfeld offenders, which can be viewed as ideal target groups for (primary) prevention efforts with respect to child sexual abuse. Also, this study seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of using a telephone screening procedure to conduct research with these groups. Using a computer assisted telephone interview (CATI), data on demographics, mental health, sexuality, crimin... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567145 Mon, 10 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3567145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3534683&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20434774%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Labree W, Nijman H, van Marle H, Rassin E The aim of this study was to gain more insight in the backgrounds and characteristics of arsonists. For this, the psychiatric, psychological, personal, and criminal backgrounds of all arsonists (n=25), sentenced to forced treatment in the maximum security forensic hospital "De Kijvelanden", were compared to the characteristics of a control group of patients (n=50), incarcerated at the same institution for other severe crimes. Apart from DSM-IV Axis I and Axis II disorders, family backgrounds, level of education, treatment history, intelligence (WAIS scores), and PCL-R scores were included in the comparisons. Furthermore, the apparent motives for the arson offences were explored. It was found that arsonists had more often received psych... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3534683 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3534683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468699&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20388571%26dopt%3DAbstract This article presents the demographic characteristics of a sample of Taiwanese sex offenders, examines the rate of sexual recidivism in Taiwan, and describes which factors distinguish recidivists from non-recidivists. This article assesses the recidivism rate of a sample of 503 male sex offenders incarcerated from 1999 to 2004. The sample is divided into two groups: non-recidivists (88.7%) and recidivists (11.3%). The variables are categorized into demographic characteristics, criminal history, interpersonal relationships, and offending behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggests that recidivism is significantly related to male victims, poor interactions with employers, verbal control (i.e., threats to or verbal control of victims), weapon control (threatening or controll... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468699 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3468699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3461666&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20381866%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scholte EM, Stoutjesdijk R, Van Oudheusden MA, Lodewijks H, Van der Ploeg JD A two-dimensional instrument to screen egocentric and unemotional traits in children was tested in this study, and the associations with the aggressive and the antisocial symptoms of conduct disorder were determined. To this end the narcissistic-egocentric and callous-unemotional characteristics associated with psychopathy were, along with the symptoms of conduct disorder, rated by teachers in a general community sample of 1179 four-to-eighteen-year-old Dutch children, and by professional care takers in a sample of 145 twelve-to eighteen-year-old incarcerated adolescents. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the ratings of the psychopathic characteristics indeed clustered into a dimension with ego... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3461666 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3461666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3232383&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20116855%26dopt%3DAbstract This article surveys the various legislative provisions dealing with work-related stress claims in Australia and provides an analysis of their effectiveness. A range of options are presented as alternatives to the exclusion of particular forms of work-related stress claims. The use of a corporate citizenship approach to the prevention and management of stress claims is also discussed as a proactive alternative to occupational safety and health legislative provisions and the workers compensation legislative exclusions. PMID: 20116855 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3232383 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3232383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3190119&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20080303%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Anckarsäter H Conforming to a medical disease model rooted in phenomenology and natural science, psychiatry classifies mental disorders according to signs and symptoms considered to be stable and homogeneous across individuals. Scientific studies addressing the validity of this classification are scarce. Following a seminal paper by Robins and Guze in 1970, validity of categories has been sought in specific criteria referring to symptoms and prognosis, aggregation in families, and "markers", preferentially laboratory tests. There is, however, a growing misfit between the model and empirical findings from studies putting it to the test. Diagnostic categories have not been shown to represent natural groups delineated from the normal variation or from each other. Aetiologica... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3190119 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3190119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3190120&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20079534%26dopt%3DAbstract This study highlights, the difficulties faced by correctional services workers in detecting recent depressive disorders both in men and women offenders and also difficulties to detect recent affective psychoses. PMID: 20079534 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3190120 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3190120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3179654&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20074806%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: The majority of advance statements contained clear information about preferences as to medical treatment. The additional requests raise questions about what is meant by treatment. PMID: 20074806 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3179654 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3179654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167735&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20061028%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Malmgren H, Radovic S, Thorén H, Haglund B This essay first outlines a philosophical theory of concepts and then applies it to two areas of relevance to psychiatrists, especially forensic psychiatrists. In the philosophical theory, the respective roles of verbal and non-verbal definitions are illuminated, and the importance of the phenomenon of division of semantic labour is stressed. It is pointed out that vagueness and ambiguity of a term often result when the term is used for several practical purposes at the same time. Such multi-purpose uses of terms may explain both the current problems associated with the Swedish forensic-psychiatric concept of a severe mental disorder and some of the shortcomings of DSM-IV. PMID: 20061028 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (S... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167735 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3167735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149805&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20051289%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ullrich S, Yang M, Coid J Introduction of the construct "Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder" (DSPD) by the UK Home Office and Department of Health has provoked strong debate and opposition. Its aims and that of proposed subsequent legislation was to enhance public protection by identifying and detaining a minority of persons with severe personality disorder who pose a high risk of serious sexual/violent offending. The most serious criticism was the ethical implication of allowing indefinite detention of people without criminal convictions. More recently, policy emphasis has shifted towards treatment. 1396 male prisoners serving sentences of 2+years for sexual/violent offenses were prospectively interviewed (personality disorders, psychopathy, and risk) at a mean follow-... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149805 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3149805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3143328&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20045194%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, suggestions for empirical research are offered. PMID: 20045194 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3143328 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3143328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3136758&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20042239%26dopt%3DAbstract This study also examined if interpersonal violence at work is an intermediate factor in the causal chain between psychosocial risk factors at work and psychotropic drug use. A cross-sectional study was performed which included 1288 Quebec correctional officers. The participants answered a self-administered questionnaire in 2007 assessing psychological demands, decision latitude, extrinsic efforts, rewards, overcommitment, intimidation, psychological harassment, social support in the actual job, psychotropic drug use during the month preceding the questionnaire and sociodemographic variables. Binomial regressions were performed for the principal associations and a bootstrap analysis was performed in order to evaluate interpersonal violence as an intermediate factor between psychosocial risk... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3136758 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3136758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3127055&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20036007%26dopt%3DAbstract This study examined criminogenic need in the areas of drug use, alcohol use, mental health, and relationships, in 6453 male and 1045 female probationers, using data from the Offender Assessment System (OASys). It also examined the associations between these four areas. Females had significantly higher levels of need than males for mental health and relationships, and males had significantly higher levels of need for alcohol use. There was no group difference for drug use. For both males and females, there were significant positive correlations for scores between all pairs of needs, except for drug and alcohol use. The strength of the association between relationships and drug use was significantly stronger among females as compared to males. The results are discussed in light of the previo... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3127055 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3127055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3069048&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19962761%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: These findings are mainly in agreement with results from other studies on seasonal variation and violent behaviour. The allocation of staff for late summer and fall might enhance the management of forensic psychiatric patients, thus leading to possible decreases in seclusion incidents. The factors affecting violent, aggressive and suicidal behaviours are complex and more investigation is needed to understand, identify, intervene and effectively reduce such behaviours. PMID: 19962761 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3069048 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3069048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3017326&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19926134%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: People with anorexia nervosa appear to agree with the necessity of compulsory treatment in order to save life. The perception of coercion is complex and not necessarily related to the degree of restriction of freedom. PMID: 19926134 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3017326 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3017326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3013199&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19922999%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of a computerized battery in the assessment of inmates within the criminal justice system. Thirty male inmates were assessed. Data were compared to matched controls. The custodial sample was characterized by an increase in the prevalence of previous trauma; high levels of depression, anxiety and stress and neurocognitive deficits, including sustained attention, impulsivity and executive dysfunction. PMID: 19922999 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3013199 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3013199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004836&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19913300%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: A more comprehensive and enforceable national mental health act is needed in order to ensure the rights of persons suffering mental illness in terms of admission and treatment procedures. In addition, more research is needed to understand how the current municipal regulations of mental health services in these cities are implemented in routine practice. PMID: 19913300 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004836 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3004836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2988846&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19906429%26dopt%3DAbstract This article describes the recent law reform on forensic mental health and its background in Japan, focusing on the enactment of the Medical Treatment and Supervision Act in 2005. The new system-under which a person who commits a serious criminal offence in a state of insanity or diminished responsibility shall be referred by the public prosecutor to the District Court-aims to provide intensive psychiatric treatment to offenders with mental disorders, attaching great importance to their reintegration into society. The court panel, which consists of a judge and a specially qualified psychiatrist, plays a key role in the treatment procedure. Upon the agreement of the two panel members, the panel delivers a verdict that takes into account the outcome of psychiatric evaluation; possible verdic... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2988846 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2988846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2988847&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19906428%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was set up to find out whether the Finnish child and adolescent psychiatrists agree with the need for defining broader commitment criteria for minors, and why. Semi-structured, reflexive dyadic interviews were carried out with 44 psychiatrists working with children and adolescents. The data was analysed using qualitative and quantitative content analysis. The analysis showed that broader commitment criteria for minors were favoured referring to developmental needs related to childhood and adolescence, prevention of mental illnesses and inadequacy of descriptive diagnosis in childhood and adolescence. The commitment criteria were rather seen as too narrow for adults than as too broad for minors, and the medical rights of minors were preferred over self-determination. PMID: 19... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2988847 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2988847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981541&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19900708%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Allison MD, Ireland JL The current study explored the relationship between social and physical environmental factors supportive of bullying, levels of bullying and fear of bullying. Participants were 261 adult male prisoners. All completed the Direct and Indirect Prisoner Checklist-Scaled Version Revised (DIPC-SCALED-r ((c))Ireland, 2007), the Prison Environment Scale (PES ((c))Allison, 2007), and a Brief Measure of Fear of Bullying Scale (BMFBS). The PES was explored initially using 100 male prisoners randomly selected from the main sample and 100 prison officers. It was predicted that increased bullying would be associated with increased evidence of environmental factors supportive of bullying; that increased levels of fear of bullying would be associated with increased evid... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981541 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2981541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981542&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19897248%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Juth N, Lorentzon F This text examines how conceptions of free will impact on legal systems and forensic psychiatry: free will is generally regarded as a prerequisite for responsibility, criminal responsibility included, while forensic psychiatry to a large extent deals with the limits imposed on responsibility by mental disorder. First we discuss the question of whether there is and has been such an impact. The answer is yes: different conceptions of free will have inspired different systems of law and forensic psychiatry, as becomes clear when looking at the accountability doctrine as compared to the unique Swedish system rejecting this doctrine. However, there is no necessary connection between doctrines of responsibility and conceptions of free will, since the former prima... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981542 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2981542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2907721&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19837459%26dopt%3DAbstract This study describes personal experiences of nurses throughout the seclusion process. The emotions which came to surface in semi-structured interviews with 8 nurses were categorized in three main themes (Tension, Trust and Power) and a stress response curve was identified in the seclusion process, with specific feelings in each phase. Feelings denied in former studies such as feeling superior, anger and disgust were found in the interviews in this study. PMID: 19837459 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2907721 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2907721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880253&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19811835%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Höglund P, Levander S, Anckarsäter H, Radovic S Swedish penal law does not exculpate on the grounds of diminished accountability; persons judged to suffer from severe mental disorder are sentenced to forensic psychiatric care instead of prison. Re-introduction of accountability as a condition for legal responsibility has been advocated, not least by forensic psychiatric professionals. To investigate how professionals in forensic psychiatry would assess degree of accountability based on psychiatric diagnoses and case vignettes, 30 psychiatrists, 30 psychologists, 45 nurses, and 45 ward attendants from five forensic psychiatric clinics were interviewed. They were asked (i) to judge to which degree (on a dimensional scale from 1 to 5) each of 12 psychiatric diagnoses mi... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880253 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2880253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2866673&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19804906%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Alaggia R, Regehr C, Rishchynski G Immigrant women face numerous, and sometimes insurmountable, barriers in reporting and seeking services for intimate partner violence (IPV). A number of these obstacles relate to immigration laws, policies and legal processes they encounter due to their immigration status and sponsorship relationship. The present study was conducted in Canada, in an urban centre that boasts one of the largest immigrant populations in the world. Using a focus group methodology within a participatory action research framework, this investigation sought to identify factors that facilitate or impede women from coming forward and disclosing IPV, and traced their help-seeking actions. Qualitative data from helping professionals and women reveal that in cases of spo... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2866673 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2866673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2866674&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19800689%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nakhaie MR, Sacco VF This paper examines the relevance to delinquency of social capital that is directly embedded in the relationships that teenagers have with peers, parents, and those in positions of authority and those indirect social capital that teenagers may benefit due their parents' relations with their school or friends. The analysis employs data from the Canadian National Survey of Children. The study shows that personality traits are the most important predictors of property offences. Nevertheless, we also show the importance of social relationships embedded directly in individuals themselves and these are more important than those embedded indirectly through their family. Well connected youth with good friends and quality teachers commit significantly less property... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2866674 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2866674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2866676&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19800122%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Anckarsäter H, Radovic S, Svennerlind C, Höglund P, Radovic F The assumption that mental disorder is a cause of crime is the foundation of forensic psychiatry, but conceptual, epistemological, and empirical analyses show that neither mental nor crime, or the causation implied, are clear-cut concepts. "Mental" denotes heterogeneous aspects of a person such as inner experiences, cognitive abilities, and behaviour patterns described in a non-physical vocabulary. In psychology and psychiatry, mental describes law-bound, caused aspects of human functioning that are predictable and generalizable. Problems defined as mental disorders are end-points of dimensional inter-individual differences rather than natural categories. Deficits in cognitive faculties, such as attention,... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2866676 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2866676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2866675&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19800123%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nilsson T, Munthe C, Gustavson C, Forsman A, Anckarsäter H The development of forensic psychiatric risk assessments is discussed from a clinical point of view using the example of Sweden. A central task in forensic psychiatry has traditionally been to identify dangerous, mentally disordered subjects considered to be prone to commit violent acts. Over time, "dangerousness" has been reworded into "risk". Nevertheless, such assessments have generally been based on the psychiatric factors characterising the individual patient, while group interaction, situational factors, or social and cultural circumstances, such as the availability of alcohol and drugs, have been largely overlooked. That risk assessments have a focused on people with a diagnosis of "mental disorder" and bee... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2866675 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2866675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857640&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19796818%26dopt%3DAbstract This article provides a concise, comparative background to the evolution of criminal insanity legislation and institutions for the mentally ill in the nineteenth century, with particular reference to Ireland and the United States. Three key themes are identified and explored: (a) the emergence of the insanity defence in the nineteenth century (e.g. the McNaughtan Rules); (b) conditions in nineteenth-century asylums and institutions for the 'criminally insane' (with particular reference to overcrowding, physical illness and asylum deaths); and (c) nineteenth-century considerations of criminal responsibility in women with mental illness (with particular reference to medical and judicial views of the relevance of menstruation, pregnancy and child-birth). These themes are explored through revi... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857640 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2857640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857639&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19796819%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kogstad RE Protecting human beings' dignity is a fundamental value underlying the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as several recommendations and conventions derived from this, among them the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), a declaration that also takes precedence over Norwegian legislation. Still, clients' stories inform us that their dignity is not always protected in the mental health service systems. The aim of the study has been to investigate violations of dignity considered from the clients' points of view, and to suggest actions that may ensure that practice is brought in line with human rights values. The method used has been a qualitative content analysis of 335 client narratives. The conclusion is that mental health clients experience i... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857639 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2857639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857643&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19793613%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Forensic psychiatric outpatients seem to experience a relatively stable 'load' of stressful life events, that does not influence change in subjective well-being. We did not find unequivocal support for General Strain Theory. In line with the dynamic equilibrium model, forensic outpatients seemed less used to positive controllable life events, which influenced positive change in subjective well-being. In outpatient forensic treatment, attempts to limit negative life events together with enhancing behaviour which results in positive events should be targeted. This might result in better lives for patients and in reduced criminal behaviour. PMID: 19793613 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857643 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2857643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857642&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19793614%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Giving extra information made an extra 15% unable to choose. Clinical judgement must be exercised concerning the amount of information disclosed. Deciding what is material to the individual is arbitrary when so few items of information can be processed. Greater use of guardianship and independent second opinions is recommended. PMID: 19793614 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857642 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2857642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857641&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19793615%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dahlin MK, Gumpert CH, Torstensson-Levander M, Svensson L, Radovic S Legal research in Sweden has traditionally focused on a systematization of the legal rules and their practical application, while the task of studying the effects of the application of the laws has been handed over to other branches of the social sciences. In contrast, new legal theories focusing on proactive and therapeutic dimensions in law have gained increasing attention in the international arena. These approaches may be better suited for evaluating legislation governing compulsory psychiatric care. Theoretical discussions and studies of causal mechanisms underlying criminal behaviour, as well as the implementation and value of instruments for predicting behaviour, are relevant to contemporary criminolog... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857641 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2857641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2753288&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19716602%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Beasley JO, Hayne AS, Beyer K, Cramer GL, Berson SB, Muirhead Y, Warren JI Our study examines the prior offending of 750 individuals who are known to be responsible for the abduction of a child under the age of 18 years. The first group comprised of 311 offenders (42%) who had abducted a child that was later located alive (found alive, referred to as FA). The second group was comprised of 439 offenders (58%) who had abducted a child that was either found murdered or was still missing and presumed dead (found murdered, referred to as FM). While males perpetrated the majority of the abductions, women perpetrated 31 (10%) of the offenses in the FA group and 10 (2%) of the offenses in the FM group. The average number of prior offenses as reflected in the NCIC criminal history of e... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2753288 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2753288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2692805&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19665794%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Grøndahl P, Værøy H, Dahl AA About one third of defendants in homicide cases claim amnesia during the time of their alleged act. Examining the authenticity of claimed amnesia is a special challenge for forensic experts. Because the experts' conclusions have legal implications, it is useful to study the characteristics of defendants who claim amnesia regarding a homicidal act and how forensic experts assess these defendants' claims. The forensic psychiatric reports from 2001 to 2007 on 102 Norwegian defendants charged with homicide were assessed quantitatively with a structured rating form. Due to multiple comparisons p of .003 was chosen. Twenty-six defendants claimed partial and 17 claimed total amnesia. No significant differences in the characteristics of the ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2692805 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2692805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2692806&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19665229%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Diamond M A vocal segment of the population has serious concerns about the effect of pornography in society and challenges its public use and acceptance. This manuscript reviews the major issues associated with the availability of sexually explicit material. It has been found everywhere it was scientifically investigated that as pornography has increased in availability, sex crimes have either decreased or not increased. It is further been found that sexual erotica has not only wide spread personal acceptance and use but general tolerance for its availability to adults. This attitude is seen by both men and women and not only in urban communities but also in reputed conservative ones as well. Further this finding holds nationally in the United States and in widely different co... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2692806 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2692806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2671895&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19647875%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Quinn A, Shera W As a result of the Youth Criminal Justice Act's increased focus on restorative justice, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of youth, many more juvenile offenders require mental health services while resident in youth detention facilities [Youth Criminal Justice Act (2002, c.1). Ottawa: Department of Justice Canada. Retrieved September 19, 2008 from http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/Y-1.5]. Several common characteristics such as violence, aggression, and other antisocial behaviors, associated with criminal behavior, have been identified among male and female offenders. Dialectical behavior therapy, originally developed by Linehan [Linehan, M. M., 1993a. Cognitive-behavioural treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York: Guildford Press] for chron... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2671895 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2671895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2671896&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19647319%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Woodworth M, Porter S, Ten Brinke L, Doucette NL, Peace K, Campbell MA Defendants commonly claim amnesia for their criminal actions especially in cases involving extreme violence. While some claims are malingered or result from physiological factors, other cases may represent genuine partial or complete amnesia resulting from the psychological distress and/or extreme emotion associated with the perpetration of the crime. Fifty Canadian homicide offenders described their memories of their homicide, a non-homicide violent offense, and their most positive adulthood life experience. Self-reported and objective measures of memories for these events revealed that homicides were recalled with the greatest level of detail and sensory information. Although dissociative tendencies were ... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2671896 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2671896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2661334&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19643478%26dopt%3DAbstract This article describes Starson's situation, Ontario's law with respect to consent to treatment and relevant Canadian constitutional and criminal law. It provides an analysis of the Consent and Capacity Board decision and the court appeals. Implications from Starson's case are analyzed in relation to what happened to Starson, human rights and comparative law pertaining to involuntary patients' refusal of treatment, especially their relevance to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and laws in some other countries. Many Canadian and foreign jurisdictions where laws apparently accord with human rights codes do not allow a person to refuse the treatment required to restore their liberty. We conclude that a law that allows a person with a mental illness to be incarcerated indefinitely i... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2661334 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2661334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2631098&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19619895%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yang S, Kadouri A, Révah-Lévy A, Mulvey EP, Falissard B Once convicted, the perpetrator of serious crime embarks upon a new journey: the challenge of adjusting to long-term imprisonment. Prisoners' views of incarceration and the meaning of this experience may affect their later adjustment to life in the community. On the basis of brief narrative responses collected during an epidemiological survey of the psychological health of prisoners in France, this study examined the impact of incarceration on psychological state in a group of 59 inmates serving long sentences. Qualitative content analysis and computer-assisted linguistic analysis (using ALCESTE software) were performed on the textual data of open responses to three standard questions. Using a combination of the... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2631098 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2631098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2622734&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19615747%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: Reports of lifetime violence victimization among this incarcerated sample of women were extremely prevalent and relevant to women's depression and illicit drug use. Prison efforts to address women's depression and illicit drug use may be most effective by incorporating aspects related to women's history of victimization, especially given the high rates of violence experienced by women in this sample. PMID: 19615747 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2622734 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2622734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2606576&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19596153%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Siegel A, Victoroff J The present paper reviews and summarizes the basic findings concerning the nature of the neurobiological and behavioral characteristics of aggression and rage. For heuristic purposes, the types of aggression will be reduced to two categories - defensive rage (affective defense) and predatory attack. This approach helps explain both the behavioral properties of aggression as well as the underlying neural substrates and mechanisms of aggression both in animals and humans. Defensive rage behavior is activated by a threatening stimulus that is real or perceived and is associated with marked sympathetic output. This yields impulsivity with minimal cortical involvement. Predatory attack behavior in both animals and humans is generally planned, taking minutes, h... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2606576 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2606576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2534150&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19540592%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Victoroff J Human societies have formalized instincts for compliance with reciprocal altruism in laws that sanction some aggression and not other aggression. Neuroscience makes steady advances toward measurements of various aspects of brain function pertinent to the aggressive behaviors that laws are designed to regulate. Consciousness, free will, rationality, intent, reality testing, empathy, moral reasoning, and capacity for self-control are somewhat subject to empirical assessment. The question becomes: how should law accommodate the wealth of information regarding these elements of mind that the science of aggression increasingly makes available? This essay discusses the evolutionary purpose of aggression, the evolutionary purpose of law, the problematic assumptions of the... International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2534150 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2534150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2534151&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19520431%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Victoroff J PMID: 19520431 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2534151 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2534151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2534152&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19477522%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pietrini P, Bambini V PMID: 19477522 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2534152 Mon, 25 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2534152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2534153&cid=s_35662_24_f&fid=35662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19446881%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Terburg D, Morgan B, van Honk J PMID: 19446881 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry) International Journal of Law and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2534153 Wed, 13 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2534153