Pub Date : 2021-02-08DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2021.1880504
Ashley B. Batastini, M. Vitacco, Ashley C. T. Jones, R. Davis
Abstract Perceived credibility of social media data (i.e., a Twitter post) was compared to more traditional collateral sources in criminal responsibility evaluations using independent samples of laypersons and forensic experts. Overall, results suggested greater skepticism toward social media relative to two other sources, particularly when information suggested a mental illness. Both samples, however, viewed the tweet as potentially useful. Notably, both studies were limited by the use of an experimental design that was intended to capture initial impressions rather than fully mimic standard assessment and courtroom processes. We advocate a cautious but open-minded approach when considering social media data as collateral.
{"title":"Perceived Credibility of Social Media Data as a Collateral Source in Criminal Responsibility Evaluations Using an Experimental Design","authors":"Ashley B. Batastini, M. Vitacco, Ashley C. T. Jones, R. Davis","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2021.1880504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2021.1880504","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Perceived credibility of social media data (i.e., a Twitter post) was compared to more traditional collateral sources in criminal responsibility evaluations using independent samples of laypersons and forensic experts. Overall, results suggested greater skepticism toward social media relative to two other sources, particularly when information suggested a mental illness. Both samples, however, viewed the tweet as potentially useful. Notably, both studies were limited by the use of an experimental design that was intended to capture initial impressions rather than fully mimic standard assessment and courtroom processes. We advocate a cautious but open-minded approach when considering social media data as collateral.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"317 - 332"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2021-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2021.1880504","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46431155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-01-27DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2021.1876796
Christopher M King, Jill Del Pozzo, Dwight Ceballo, P. Zapf
Abstract The purpose of this secondary analysis of an archival sample of 100 Canadian men remanded for evaluations of fitness to stand trial was to investigate the relationships among fitness, competence to make treatment decisions, and psychosis. As hypothesized, competence to make treatment decisions was more often impaired in those with impaired fitness. Among unfit defendants, a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder also related to impaired competence to make treatment decisions. The issue of competence to make treatment decisions may have utility for evaluations and restoration of fitness to stand trial and tending to it may help to alleviate systems burdens.
{"title":"An Examination of Fitness to Stand Trial, Competence to Make Treatment Decisions, and Psychosis in a Canadian Sample","authors":"Christopher M King, Jill Del Pozzo, Dwight Ceballo, P. Zapf","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2021.1876796","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2021.1876796","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The purpose of this secondary analysis of an archival sample of 100 Canadian men remanded for evaluations of fitness to stand trial was to investigate the relationships among fitness, competence to make treatment decisions, and psychosis. As hypothesized, competence to make treatment decisions was more often impaired in those with impaired fitness. Among unfit defendants, a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder also related to impaired competence to make treatment decisions. The issue of competence to make treatment decisions may have utility for evaluations and restoration of fitness to stand trial and tending to it may help to alleviate systems burdens.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"278 - 290"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2021-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2021.1876796","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49227445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-12-30DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2020.1863524
Maria Haarmans, Elizabeth Perkins, Lorna Jellicoe‐Jones
Abstract We describe and reflect upon the process of setting up participatory action research (PAR) with a group of men resident on a personality assessment and treatment service in a medium security prison for male offenders. The service is part of the national offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway, a joint initiative between the National Health Service England and Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service set up in 2011. Its aim was to provide a pathway of services for offenders, likely to be diagnosed with a personality disorder, to reduce risk of re-offending and improve psychological health and wellbeing. Consistent with PAR principles, prisoners were trained as co-researchers with the aim of co-producing new knowledge and improving their community. To our knowledge, this is the first PAR project conducted within the OPD pathway. We focus here on initial stages of research design and development. By sharing our experiences, we contribute to the literature on co-production research highlighting key benefits and challenges of PAR in this setting. Key learnings such as the importance of obtaining organizational support, taking time for establishing trust, relationship-building and research training are discussed.
{"title":"“It’s Us Doing It!” The Power of Participatory Action Research in Prison: A Contradiction in Terms? – Phase 1","authors":"Maria Haarmans, Elizabeth Perkins, Lorna Jellicoe‐Jones","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2020.1863524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2020.1863524","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract We describe and reflect upon the process of setting up participatory action research (PAR) with a group of men resident on a personality assessment and treatment service in a medium security prison for male offenders. The service is part of the national offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway, a joint initiative between the National Health Service England and Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service set up in 2011. Its aim was to provide a pathway of services for offenders, likely to be diagnosed with a personality disorder, to reduce risk of re-offending and improve psychological health and wellbeing. Consistent with PAR principles, prisoners were trained as co-researchers with the aim of co-producing new knowledge and improving their community. To our knowledge, this is the first PAR project conducted within the OPD pathway. We focus here on initial stages of research design and development. By sharing our experiences, we contribute to the literature on co-production research highlighting key benefits and challenges of PAR in this setting. Key learnings such as the importance of obtaining organizational support, taking time for establishing trust, relationship-building and research training are discussed.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"238 - 252"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2020.1863524","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43900679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-12-24DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2020.1864795
G. Walters
Abstract The purpose of this study was three-fold: determine whether scores on the Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form (LCSF), a recidivism and re-offense risk assessment procedure, predict future criminal and drug use outcomes in substance abusing parolees, verify whether LCSF-defined risk identifies parolees likely to benefit from a case management strengths program, and ascertain whether the LCSF is as effective with women as it is with men. These three topic areas (use of the LCSF with substance abusing offenders, testing the risk principle, and seeing whether the LCSF applies to women) represent gaps in the current state of knowledge on the LCSF. In a secondary analysis of data including 811 (616 men, 195 women) substance-abusing adult parolees, results revealed that the LCSF was the only variable, out of six, to predict all six outcomes of interest across 3- and 9-month follow-up periods. When the sample was broken down by gender, the LCSF predicted all six outcomes in men but only the three 9-month outcomes in women. In an unanticipated development, men exposed to a case management strengths program reported more subsequent crime and drug use than participants not exposed to this special case management program.
{"title":"Predicting Short-Term Parole Outcome in Substance Abusing Offenders with the Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form","authors":"G. Walters","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2020.1864795","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2020.1864795","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The purpose of this study was three-fold: determine whether scores on the Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form (LCSF), a recidivism and re-offense risk assessment procedure, predict future criminal and drug use outcomes in substance abusing parolees, verify whether LCSF-defined risk identifies parolees likely to benefit from a case management strengths program, and ascertain whether the LCSF is as effective with women as it is with men. These three topic areas (use of the LCSF with substance abusing offenders, testing the risk principle, and seeing whether the LCSF applies to women) represent gaps in the current state of knowledge on the LCSF. In a secondary analysis of data including 811 (616 men, 195 women) substance-abusing adult parolees, results revealed that the LCSF was the only variable, out of six, to predict all six outcomes of interest across 3- and 9-month follow-up periods. When the sample was broken down by gender, the LCSF predicted all six outcomes in men but only the three 9-month outcomes in women. In an unanticipated development, men exposed to a case management strengths program reported more subsequent crime and drug use than participants not exposed to this special case management program.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"253 - 264"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2020.1864795","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46080657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-12-17DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2020.1861135
Dagmar Stockman, K. Uzieblo, L. Verhofstadt
Abstract The present study aimed to examine the underlying mechanisms of why partners of detainees remain in their relationships and whether this mechanism is associated with the number of monthly visits made to the imprisoned partner. The Investment Model Scale was used to assess: commitment, relationship satisfaction, relationship alternatives, and relationship investments in a sample of one hundred female partners of detainees (M = 35.9 years). As expected, satisfaction was positively and alternatives negatively associated with commitment and commitment was positively related to the number of visits. These results may inform prison initiatives aimed at supporting relationship maintenance.
{"title":"Relational Commitment toward a Partner in Prison: An Investment Model Analysis","authors":"Dagmar Stockman, K. Uzieblo, L. Verhofstadt","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2020.1861135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2020.1861135","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The present study aimed to examine the underlying mechanisms of why partners of detainees remain in their relationships and whether this mechanism is associated with the number of monthly visits made to the imprisoned partner. The Investment Model Scale was used to assess: commitment, relationship satisfaction, relationship alternatives, and relationship investments in a sample of one hundred female partners of detainees (M = 35.9 years). As expected, satisfaction was positively and alternatives negatively associated with commitment and commitment was positively related to the number of visits. These results may inform prison initiatives aimed at supporting relationship maintenance.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"227 - 237"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2020.1861135","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46267700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-12-17DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2020.1860164
Samantha Venner, D. Sivasubramaniam, S. Luebbers, S. Shepherd
Abstract Risk assessment instruments are an important tool for assessing an offender’s risk of recidivism. However, concerns have been raised regarding their applicability to different cultural groups, and it has been suggested that rater cultural bias may affect assessment. This study explored whether rater cultural bias impacted upon the scoring of the YLS/CMI-SRV and rater perceptions of offenders from diverse cultural backgrounds. Participants included a representative sample of postgraduate Australian Psychology students who were randomly assigned a vignette of a young offender from either a South Sudanese, Indigenous or Anglo-Australian background. No evidence of cultural bias was found in YLS/CMI-SRV scoring or rater perceptions of the offender.
{"title":"Exploring Rater Cultural Bias in Forensic Risk Assessment","authors":"Samantha Venner, D. Sivasubramaniam, S. Luebbers, S. Shepherd","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2020.1860164","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2020.1860164","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Risk assessment instruments are an important tool for assessing an offender’s risk of recidivism. However, concerns have been raised regarding their applicability to different cultural groups, and it has been suggested that rater cultural bias may affect assessment. This study explored whether rater cultural bias impacted upon the scoring of the YLS/CMI-SRV and rater perceptions of offenders from diverse cultural backgrounds. Participants included a representative sample of postgraduate Australian Psychology students who were randomly assigned a vignette of a young offender from either a South Sudanese, Indigenous or Anglo-Australian background. No evidence of cultural bias was found in YLS/CMI-SRV scoring or rater perceptions of the offender.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"213 - 226"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2020.1860164","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42039312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-12-13DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2020.1856978
Annik Mossière, T. Marche
Abstract The limited research concerning trauma secondary to committing crime in justice-involved persons has been restricted to male forensic psychiatric and violent offender populations. We aimed to extend this by examining justice-involved persons’ memories about their crimes, and exploring factors involved in intrusive memories across offence types. One hundred justice-involved adult males completed a questionnaire package examining offence-related shame, guilt, instrumentality-reactivity, and memory characteristics. Forty-three percent reported intrusive memories of a crime they committed. These were experienced across all crime types, especially those with reactive elements. Shame was found to be the most significant correlate of intrusive memories over and above all other factors. While further research is needed (e.g., with justice-involved women), results are in line with theoretical foundations of posttraumatic stress disorder and shed light on psychological consequences of offending. The findings have implications for clinicians and researchers alike, in that intrusive memories and shame may be precipitating factors for related risk factors and would relatedly be worth considering when evaluating patterns of violence and creating relapse prevention plans.
{"title":"Emotionality during and after the Commissions of an Offence: A Look at Offence-Related Shame and Intrusive Memories in Justice-Involved Adult Males","authors":"Annik Mossière, T. Marche","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2020.1856978","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2020.1856978","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The limited research concerning trauma secondary to committing crime in justice-involved persons has been restricted to male forensic psychiatric and violent offender populations. We aimed to extend this by examining justice-involved persons’ memories about their crimes, and exploring factors involved in intrusive memories across offence types. One hundred justice-involved adult males completed a questionnaire package examining offence-related shame, guilt, instrumentality-reactivity, and memory characteristics. Forty-three percent reported intrusive memories of a crime they committed. These were experienced across all crime types, especially those with reactive elements. Shame was found to be the most significant correlate of intrusive memories over and above all other factors. While further research is needed (e.g., with justice-involved women), results are in line with theoretical foundations of posttraumatic stress disorder and shed light on psychological consequences of offending. The findings have implications for clinicians and researchers alike, in that intrusive memories and shame may be precipitating factors for related risk factors and would relatedly be worth considering when evaluating patterns of violence and creating relapse prevention plans.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"198 - 211"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2020.1856978","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44502500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-12-11DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2020.1852342
K. McLachlan, Katelyn Mullally, Chantel Ritter, M. Mela, J. Pei
Abstract Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, are overrepresented in criminal justice settings and have complex, forensically relevant clinical needs. This study surveyed 81 forensic clinicians recruited via international professional association listserv postings and social media about their assessment and intervention practices in providing services to clients with FASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), along with their training experiences and needs in this area. Results indicated that the majority of clinicians had forensic experience working with clients who had FASD and other NDDs, although most identified limited relevant training experiences, gaps in their readiness for service provision, and practice barriers in effectively working with these populations. Clinicians also reported seeing fewer clients with FASD relative to other NDDs, and feeling less prepared for forensic practice with this population. Most clinicians endorsed the need for additional training and supports to increase their competency and enhance their practice, such as the development of screening tools, clinical guidelines, and access to experts or specialists for consultation. As awareness about FASD continues to grow in legal contexts, additional research, training, and policy consideration is required to develop and implement evidence-based practice resources for forensic clinicians.
{"title":"Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: An International Practice Survey of Forensic Mental Health Clinicians","authors":"K. McLachlan, Katelyn Mullally, Chantel Ritter, M. Mela, J. Pei","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2020.1852342","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2020.1852342","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, are overrepresented in criminal justice settings and have complex, forensically relevant clinical needs. This study surveyed 81 forensic clinicians recruited via international professional association listserv postings and social media about their assessment and intervention practices in providing services to clients with FASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), along with their training experiences and needs in this area. Results indicated that the majority of clinicians had forensic experience working with clients who had FASD and other NDDs, although most identified limited relevant training experiences, gaps in their readiness for service provision, and practice barriers in effectively working with these populations. Clinicians also reported seeing fewer clients with FASD relative to other NDDs, and feeling less prepared for forensic practice with this population. Most clinicians endorsed the need for additional training and supports to increase their competency and enhance their practice, such as the development of screening tools, clinical guidelines, and access to experts or specialists for consultation. As awareness about FASD continues to grow in legal contexts, additional research, training, and policy consideration is required to develop and implement evidence-based practice resources for forensic clinicians.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"177 - 197"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2020.1852342","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42792199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-11-06DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2020.1842562
Marjolein F. van Wijk-Herbrink, J. Lobbestael, D. Bernstein, N. Broers, J. Roelofs, A. Arntz
Abstract This study adds to the understanding of why some adolescent boys react to unfair situations with anger and aggression, whereas others do not. We used an experimental design to test whether early maladaptive schemas influence the causal links between perceived injustice, negative affect, and aggression. Thirty-seven adolescent boys (13–18 years old; participation rate 67%) with severe behavior problems were randomly assigned to either the experimental condition, where a feeling of unfairness was induced, or to the control condition. Results showed that the effects of perceived injustice on aggression were mediated by angry feelings, and that this mechanism was conditional on levels of Abandonment and Entitlement schemas. These results suggest that even vulnerable schemas may underlie aggression, and that aggression treatment may benefit from a focus on underlying maladaptive schemas.
{"title":"The Influence of Early Maladaptive Schemas on the Causal Links between Perceived Injustice, Negative Affect, and Aggression","authors":"Marjolein F. van Wijk-Herbrink, J. Lobbestael, D. Bernstein, N. Broers, J. Roelofs, A. Arntz","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2020.1842562","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2020.1842562","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This study adds to the understanding of why some adolescent boys react to unfair situations with anger and aggression, whereas others do not. We used an experimental design to test whether early maladaptive schemas influence the causal links between perceived injustice, negative affect, and aggression. Thirty-seven adolescent boys (13–18 years old; participation rate 67%) with severe behavior problems were randomly assigned to either the experimental condition, where a feeling of unfairness was induced, or to the control condition. Results showed that the effects of perceived injustice on aggression were mediated by angry feelings, and that this mechanism was conditional on levels of Abandonment and Entitlement schemas. These results suggest that even vulnerable schemas may underlie aggression, and that aggression treatment may benefit from a focus on underlying maladaptive schemas.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"330 ","pages":"133 - 149"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2020.1842562","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41279878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-11-06DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2020.1842563
Madison F. E. Almond, A. Cook, Jennifer E. Storey
Abstract While Indigenous peoples account for a small portion of the Canadian population, they are overrepresented in the Canadian Criminal Justice System. Research and case law suggest culture should always be considered in violence risk assessments (VRAs), but it is unknown whether this recommendation is followed. The present study examined the role of Indigenous versus non-Indigenous culture in judicial opinions regarding evaluators’ VRA and expert witness testimony in Dangerous Offender and Long-Term Offender (DO/LTO) hearings under Canadian Law. 214 DO/LTO hearings from 2009-2016 where judges commented on VRAs submitted to the court were systematically identified via the Canadian Legal Information Institute database. Judicial comments were analyzed in cases with Indigenous and non-Indigenous defendants for discussions of culture and the prevalence of comments regarding qualities of the evaluator(s), qualities of the VRA(s) completed, and qualities of the evaluators’ expert testimony about the VRA. Judges considered culture meaningfully in 64% of Indigenous offenders’ cases. Discussion of VRA tools’ content was significantly more frequent in non-Indigenous cases; otherwise, frequency of non-cultural themes did not vary between case groups. Given the importance of considering culture in VRA, it is concerning that culture was considered in just over half of cases; improving this deficit is discussed.
{"title":"The Consideration of Indigenous Peoples in High Stakes Evaluations of Risk","authors":"Madison F. E. Almond, A. Cook, Jennifer E. Storey","doi":"10.1080/14999013.2020.1842563","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2020.1842563","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract While Indigenous peoples account for a small portion of the Canadian population, they are overrepresented in the Canadian Criminal Justice System. Research and case law suggest culture should always be considered in violence risk assessments (VRAs), but it is unknown whether this recommendation is followed. The present study examined the role of Indigenous versus non-Indigenous culture in judicial opinions regarding evaluators’ VRA and expert witness testimony in Dangerous Offender and Long-Term Offender (DO/LTO) hearings under Canadian Law. 214 DO/LTO hearings from 2009-2016 where judges commented on VRAs submitted to the court were systematically identified via the Canadian Legal Information Institute database. Judicial comments were analyzed in cases with Indigenous and non-Indigenous defendants for discussions of culture and the prevalence of comments regarding qualities of the evaluator(s), qualities of the VRA(s) completed, and qualities of the evaluators’ expert testimony about the VRA. Judges considered culture meaningfully in 64% of Indigenous offenders’ cases. Discussion of VRA tools’ content was significantly more frequent in non-Indigenous cases; otherwise, frequency of non-cultural themes did not vary between case groups. Given the importance of considering culture in VRA, it is concerning that culture was considered in just over half of cases; improving this deficit is discussed.","PeriodicalId":14052,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Forensic Mental Health","volume":"20 1","pages":"150 - 164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/14999013.2020.1842563","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44963123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：