NCJ Number
94986
Journal
Medicine Science and the Law Volume: 24 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1984) Pages: 192-198
Date Published
1984
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Results of a British survey indicate that while the antisocial behavior of many schizophrenics may require closer medical and social work supervision, punishment for some offenders may also be appropriate and necessary.
Abstract
Questionnaires circulated in the newsletter of the Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain were completed by 57 relatives of schizophrenics and 44 schizophrenics, providing profiles of 68 male and 33 female schizophrenics. A total of 74 percent were under age 45, 64 percent were single, and 62 percent were unemployed. Of the 83 reported legal offenses, representing 42 percent of the sample, crimes of dishonesty and breaches of the peace predominated. Although 46 incidents resulted in court appearances, there were only 3 custodial sentences, 2 hospitalizations, and 9 psychiatric probation orders. Three offenders were acquitted, 1 was bound over, and 29 were given noncustodial sentences with no condition of treatment. A total of 93 percent of offenders thought their mental condition was to some extent responsible for their offenses. Financial difficulties due to an inability to gain or keep employment could account for a large proportion of the crimes of dishonesty. Many of the public order offenses may be due to an unstable home environment and a consequent lack of supervision. Schizophrenia is not by itself a defense to a criminal charge, and as a result, some schizophrenics do incur criminal penalties. The antisocial behavior of many schizophrenics may indicate the need for closer medical and social work supervision rather than punishment. The police should exercise their discretion to see that such offenders are referred to appropriate treatment agencies. It is hoped that additional services of this kind will follow from the new Mental Health Act. Tabular data, four notes, and seven references are provided.