NCJ Number
73238
Journal
Annales Internationales de Criminologie Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (1979-80) Pages: 39-49
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The proposed minimum standards of the International Society for Criminology for conducting criminological research on offenders under investigation by criminal justice agencies are described.
Abstract
The objectives of the minimum standards are to sensitize researchers to ethical choices inherent in their work, to make them aware of the social responsibilities associated with such choices and the continuing responsibility for the consequences of their work, and to prevent them from exploiting offenders. According to the minimum standards, proposals for research on prisoners or detainees must specify objectives and research methods and the extent of direct contact with prisoners. Prior to research, consultation with prison staff representatives is essential and with prisoners is desirable. Research results, which should protect individual prisoners' privacy, should be communicated to the agency granting permission for research and to the prisoners themselves. Therapeutically oriented medical research should follow the normal rules of medical ethics. The participating prisoner must be informed of the nature of the experiment and his written consent obtained without duress or indictment. The same rules apply for offenders under supervision in the community. Nontherapeutic research may only be conducted with the free and informed written consent of the prisoner; a copy must be submitted to the prisoner. Subjects may withdraw at any time. The prisoner should not waive the right to sue for damages, and the researcher should pay particular heed to safety precautions and insurance coverage, especially when persons of low intelligence are participating. Experimentation may only begin after approval of a board of impartial experts. For the present, the standards have not been extended to victims of crimes, inmates' families, persons arrested and released, and persons acquitted. A general preface to the standards declaring the right of researchers to evaluate the treatment of individual offenders is proposed. In the United States, a growing tide of opinion favors establishment of such standards and safeguards. References are supplied.