Behavioral Biopsychosocial Criminology Review

Transgender Individuals and the Law: Part I Introductory Essay

Margarita Abi Zeid Daou, Alan R. Felthous — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:47:47 -0300

Behavioral Sciences &the Law, Volume 43, Issue 5, Page 524-529, September/October 2025.

Forensic Criminology: An Introductory Essay

Matt DeLisi, Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:47:47 -0300

Behavioral Sciences &the Law, Volume 43, Issue 5, Page 522-523, September/October 2025.

Issue Information

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:47:47 -0300

Behavioral Sciences &the Law, Volume 43, Issue 5, Page ii-v, September/October 2025.

Cover Image

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:47:47 -0300

The cover image is based on the article by Under-interpretation of neuroimaging data in insanity assessment: a hidden risk by Cristina Scarpazza et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.70006.

Manual and Machine Learning Approaches for Classifying Real and Forged Signatures—A Comparative Study and Forensic Implications

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:47:47 -0300

ABSTRACT

A handwritten signature is one of the forms of a biometric measure that creates an individual identity of the persons to mark their approval related to any document. The manual examination for determination of the authenticity of the handwritten signatures is a common practice amongst forensic document examiners. This process involves a detailed and thorough analysis of handwriting characteristics of an individual ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the each and every important feature. However, the use of artificial intelligence tools can reduce this manual work of experts for identifying forgery in signatures. The main objective of the present study was to classify the handwritten signatures as forged and genuine, manually as well as using tools of artificial intelligence, especially machine learning (ML) methods. A total of 1400 signatures, consisting of 700 forged and 700 real signatures were obtained. The signatures were obtained from 71 participants; one writer executed 700 signatures (real/genuine signatures) and 70 participants were asked to forge 10 signatures each by observing one genuine signature selected from a pool of 700 real signatures. The study employed two methods to examine the signatures: manual examination and by using machine learning-based models. In the manual examination, thorough comparison between real and forged signatures revealed that all the forged signatures were imitated and falsified that is not created by the original creator. In contrast, the machine learning-based models that is support vector machine (SVM) and random forest classifier (RFC) were utilized for classifying the signatures as either forged or genuine. The RFC and SVM achieved accuracies of 92% and 89.64% respectively for classification of the signatures as real or forged. Accuracy of both the models of the machine learning approach revealed that the approach may be used to reduce the manual work of forensic handwriting experts and allow this examination to be performed more quickly. However, the admissibility of AI-based examination of signatures is still challenged due to the lack of universal standards and a regulatory framework.

Transparency, Punishment, and Judicial Behavior: Analyzing Criminal Sentencing Under China's Mass Publication Reform

Yali Peng — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:47:47 -0300

ABSTRACT

Crime and punishment remain central concerns in China's justice system, yet little is known about how transparency reforms shape judicial decision-making at the local court level. This study examines public scrutiny effects in criminal sentencing in one basic-level court through the lens of focal concerns theory. Drawing on a novel complete dataset of judgments rendered from 2012–2017 and interviews with eight judges from diverse courts, the analysis reveals that transparency requirements trigger multiple adaptive responses in how judges assess focal concerns. Post-reform judgments are generally longer, particularly in cases involving serious crimes, suggesting more thorough articulation of assessments. Results show a reduction in sentence length after controlling for case characteristics, suggesting transparency moderates how judges balance punitive concerns against proportionality and defensibility. While initial implementation of the reform improved sentencing consistency, standardization effects diminished over time, revealing the institutional challenges of sustaining transparency-driven changes. The qualitative findings highlight variations in reform responses, with judges in first-tier cities and those with stronger professional backgrounds reporting less dramatic changes than colleagues from other backgrounds. These findings advance understanding of how visibility mechanisms influence judicial decision-making and offer insights for policy reforms aimed at channeling discretion through transparency measures.

Under‐Interpretation of Neuroimaging Data in Insanity Assessment: A Hidden Risk

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:47:47 -0300

ABSTRACT

Neuroimaging data can provide valuable insights into insanity evaluations, but the debate over its use for legal purposes is far from resolved. While much attention has been given to the risks of over-interpretation, potential errors stemming from under-interpretation received less scrutiny. In this paper, we aim to showcase how this error may influence the results of an insanity evaluation by presenting an Italian forensic case. The defendant presented with intellectual disability and psychotic symptoms coupled with multiple brain abnormalities that were interpreted as variant of normal neuroanatomy. The case is discussed in detail. This article offers an insight into a neglected issue in forensic neuroscience, destined to gain prominence as this discipline becomes increasingly important in criminal justice systems worldwide. We recommend the use of a multidisciplinary approach to insanity to reduce the likelihood of error. In this context, neuroimaging can play an important role, and its interpretation should strictly adhere to guidelines to minimize the possibility of both over-interpretation and under-interpretation.

Perceived Security, Confidence in the Police and Subjective Well‐Being in Hong Kong: Evidence from the World Values Survey

Melody W. S. Ip, Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:47:47 -0300

ABSTRACT

The legitimacy of the Hong Kong police has somewhat plummeted amid the Umbrella Movement in 2014 and the Pro-Democracy Movement in 2019. This study aims to explore the dynamics among Hong Kongers' perception of security, confidence in the police, and their subjective well-being using the Wave 7 (2017–2022) of the World Values Survey (WVS-7). Analysing the Hong Kong data that sampled 2075 participants (18 years and above; 952 males and 1123 females, Mage = 47.2 years), feelings of security and neighbourhood deviant behaviours (i.e., perceived security), and life satisfaction and happiness (i.e., subjective well-being) are used to explore their effects on the participants' confidence in the police. The findings indicate that the participants' feelings of security are positively correlated with their well-being and confidence in the police, respectively. Despite its nonsignificant moderation effect, this study found a significant mediation effect of the participants' confidence in the police in the relationship between their perception of security and well-being. Significant sociodemographic differences (i.e., gender, age, social class) in the participants' life satisfaction and happiness are also observed. These findings have important practical implications in areas such as public education and policy development/refinement, with the aim to foster Hong Kongers' confidence in the police and well-being.

The Sexual Recidivism Rates of Women Are Still Low: An Updated Meta‐Analysis

R. Karl Hanson, Franca Cortoni, Jeffrey Sandler — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:25:31 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

Compared to men, women are less likely to sexual offend. Previous reviews found low rates of sexual recidivism among women. The last published meta-analysis was based on studies from before 2010.

Aims

Conduct an updated meta-analysis of the sexual recidivism rates of women returned to the community. We expected the rates to be low and to decline the longer they remained sexual offence free in the community.

Methods

Fourteen studies met selection criteria. Their publication/presentation dates ranged from 1998 to 2023. Results were presented as raw proportions as well as meta-analytic averages.

Results

Of the 4208 women, 3.1% (131) were known to have sexually reoffended. The rate was 2.4% during the first 5 years (64/2642, k = 8) and 1.1% between years 5 and 10 (6/535, k = 2). There was large and significant variability across studies (prediction intervals: < 0.001%–11%). The rates of violent recidivism (7.8%) and general (any) recidivism (30.1%) were substantially higher than the rate of sexual recidivism.

Conclusions

This review confirms previous findings that the sexual recidivism rate of women is very low. Their risk is so low that it is unlikely to be reduced by sexual crime specific treatment or public protection measures (e.g., registration and notification). Instead, gender-responsive interventions should focus on the women's risk for general criminal recidivism and strive to promote successful reintegration.

Retention of Training Effects in Police Officers Following Scalable AI Simulations of Child Sexual Abuse Interviews

Shumpei Haginoya, Yongjie Sun, Pekka Santtila — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:55:56 -0300

ABSTRACT

Child sexual abuse (CSA) investigations require high-quality interviews, but maintaining interviewing skills long-term has been challenging. This study investigated the long-term effectiveness of avatar-based interview training for CSA investigations among 478 police officers. Participants were randomly assigned to single booster (n = 291) or double booster (n = 187) groups. Following initial training, the single booster group received reinforcement at 6 months, while the double booster group received sessions at 1 and 6 months. Results showed that initial training significantly improved interviewing skills, increasing recommended questions and relevant details elicited. While the double booster group demonstrated better skill maintenance over time, no differences in relearning saving rates were observed between groups at 6 months. The study indicates that avatar-based training with regular booster sessions effectively enhances and maintains CSA interviewing competence. Future research should examine skill transfer to real interviews and optimal booster scheduling.

Admissibility of Prior Sexual History Evidence: Examining Its Impact on Mock‐Jurors’ Judgments When Gender and Race Are Considered

Bailey M. Fraser, Emily Pica, Joanna D. Pozzulo — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:20:38 -0300

ABSTRACT

Rape shield laws restrict the admission of prior sexual history evidence (PSHE) in sexual assault trials in various countries, including Canada and the U.S. Despite such laws, admission of PSHE is often at the discretion of a trial judge. The current study examined the effect of PSHE (present, absent), victim and defendant gender (male, female), and victim race (White, Indigenous) on mock-juror decision-making. Undergraduate students (N = 484) read a mock-trial transcript depicting a rape case. Mock-jurors provided guilt ratings and perceptions of the victim and defendant. Mock-jurors assigned higher guilt ratings, held less favourable perceptions of the defendant, and more favourable perceptions of the victim, when PSHE was absent. Mock-jurors also were more likely to reach a guilty verdict when the victim was male (as opposed to female). Finally, mock-jurors perceived the defendant less favourably, and the victim more favourably, when the victim was Indigenous, as opposed to White.

Developments in Forensic Case Formulation: A Special Section

Jason Davies, Mary McMurran — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:54:18 -0300

Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, EarlyView.

CBMH Special Section on Formulation

Caroline Logan — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:36:19 -0300

Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, EarlyView.

A Culturally Informed Audit of Psychological Formulations Completed in Prison and Community Settings on the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:43:42 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

People from ethnically minoritised backgrounds are significantly over-represented within the criminal justice system, as are those with personality difficulties. The offender personality disorder pathway offers services for people with personality difficulties associated with serious offending and aims to work in a culturally attuned way with individuals from ethnically minoritised backgrounds.

Aims

To establish a baseline of how culturally informed formulations are within our services.

Methods

Twenty-one formulations from community services were audited, and two audits of 23 and 24 formulations, respectively, were carried out in our custodial service. Training was implemented between these two audits. Formulations were audited using two tools: the London Pathways Partnership (LPP) formulation audit tool and the London Pathways Unit (LPU) culturally informed formulation (LPU-CIF) audit tool. The latter was not used in the community audit.

Results

There was a broad range of means on the LPP formulation audit tool and the LPU-CIF and both were below adequacy. There was a narrower range of scores on the LPU-CIF. The LPU-CIF scores increased across all items between the two audits but were below the threshold of adequacy.

Conclusions

The audits suggest that formulations across both services are easily understood, psychologically informed and include developmental histories. However, they do not adequately consider people's cultural experience and protected characteristics. Although not without limitations, these audits highlight a need for further training to develop staff's confidence and competence when developing formulations for people under our service.

A Plea for the Study of the History of Medicine and Criminology

Brandon C. Welsh — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 06:54:53 -0300

Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, EarlyView.

The Association Between Previous Suicide Attempts and Risk Level According to the Static‐99R in Men Who Have Sexually Offended

Jordyn Monaghan, Krystal Lowe, Michael C. Seto, Marc W. Patry, Skye Stephens — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:58:57 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

Suicide is a leading cause of death within correctional institutions, with men convicted of sexual offences over-represented among those who have attempted suicide. Despite an increased risk for suicidality, limited research has examined how past suicide attempts are associated with sexual offending and specific risk domains on assessment tools.

Aim

In consideration of shared risk factors for suicidality and sexual offending, the present study examined the association between previous suicide attempts and sexual offending, particularly in terms of risk domains.

Methods

The study sample comprised 369 men who underwent a comprehensive psychosexual assessment at a large sexual behaviour clinic between 1995 and 2006. Suicide attempt history was coded from clinical files and the association with Static-99R scores, recidivism, sexual interest in children, antisocial traits and diagnosis, and demographic variables was examined.

Results

Of our participants, 12.5% self-reported having previously attempted suicide. Although there was no significant association between Static-99R scores and previous suicide attempts, the magnitude of the effect was the same as previous research. Previous suicide attempts were significantly associated with an individual's age, prior non-sexual violence, and four or more previous sentencing dates.

Conclusion

Given the limited research in this area, the findings are important for increasing the understanding of suicide risk among people who have sexually offended. Study results suggest the need for an increasing understanding of suicide risk and more targeted suicide assessment and management strategies for those with sexual convictions.

Judges at Risk: A Review of Homicides of U.S. Judges

William N. Robiner, Eugene Borgida — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:39:23 -0300

ABSTRACT

We identified 54 homicides of U.S. judges since the 1800s through news accounts, databases, and the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). Most (92.6%) decedents were men. More than half of the homicides had a connection to work. Firearms were the most common attack method. Although violence is relatively common in U.S. courts, homicides of judges are rare. Homicide nevertheless is an occupational hazard and potential threat for judges necessitating effective security measures to safeguard judges in and outside of courts. We advocate for the development of a comprehensive national database for refining risk management strategies throughout the judicial system. The psychological impact of violence, and how the judicial system responds to threats of judicial homicide, are public policy issues warranting additional study and resources.

Consent Myths and Norm Violation Responses: Reconceptualizing Rape Myth Theory in Sexual Assault Sentencing in China

Yali Peng, Xiaohong Yu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:49:56 -0300

ABSTRACT

Criminal sentencing in sexual assault cases exhibits systematic disparities based on victim-offender relationships, yet existing theoretical explanations remain inadequate for understanding the underlying cognitive mechanisms. This study reconceptualizes rape myth theory by distinguishing between two distinct cognitive structures: consent myths that operate through everyday cultural reinforcement, and norm violation responses that activate through moral boundary violations. Analyzing 7701 Chinese rape case judgments (2012–2020), we demonstrate that these mechanisms produce opposing sentencing effects. Consent myths lead to sentencing discounts of 5%–9% for acquaintance and intimate partner cases, while norm violation responses trigger 25% longer sentences for familial cases. This dual-structure framework explains previously puzzling cross-cultural patterns, including why Chinese courts impose harsher punishment on family members than strangers. We identify two critical moderating factors that interact differently with these myth types. Lay assessor participation produces “accidental equity” through generalized punitiveness, compressing relationship-based disparities via universal severity rather than bias correction. Provincial modernization demonstrates contradictory effects: reducing consent myth influence through changing gender norms while simultaneously amplifying norm violation responses through heightened moral sensitivity. Crucially, female educational advancement proves more effective than general economic growth in reducing rape myth influence.

Two Views of Invalid Response Set and Malingering Attributions in Forensic Assessment: Credibility and Non‐Credibility

Gerald Young, Laszlo A. Erdodi, Luciano Giromini — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 11:37:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

This article reviews two major sets of six articles on malingering and invalid response set, which have diametrically opposite conclusions on the value of performance and symptom validity tests (PVTs and SVTs) in forensic and related disability assessments (FDRA). First, we review the six-article series by the Leonhards, which takes the stance that PVTs and SVTs lack sufficient conceptual and empirical support to be utilized in FDRA. More specifically, the Leonhards criticize the circularity in using PVTs both as predictors and outcome criterion variables. Also, they argue that PVTs are highly correlated and collinear. However, we note that the Leonhards refer to PVTs as “malingering” tests, which they are not. Next, our article summarizes Young six-article series on invalid response sets, which (a) provides revised definitions of key terms; (b) proposes a new multivariate cutoff for invalid performance tied to the number of PVTs administered (“the 30% rule”); and (c) reviews research on the base rate of invalid response sets (generally below 30%). Finally, the present article reviews additional papers criticizing the Leonhards' approach, and introduces new data that support the standard approach. We recommend continued conceptual and empirical refinement, while re-affirming the utility of PVTs and SVTs in FDRA.

The Role of Poor Sleep Quality and Disrupted Social Bonds in Stress‐Fueled Aggressive Behavior: A Mixed‐Methods Analysis

Shengsheng Lai, Spencer D. Li, Yao Huang, Liyu Chen — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

Although previous research has examined the impact of stress on aggressive behavior, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. In particular, the mediating roles of sleep quality and social bonds have received limited attention within the context of Chinese society. Drawing on data from 2140 Chinese high school seniors, this study investigates the relationships between stress, sleep quality, social bonds, and aggressive behavior. The results revealed significant associations: stress positively correlated with aggressive behavior and negatively with sleep quality and social bonds, while sleep quality and social bonds were negatively related. Moreover, multiple mediation analyses demonstrated that stress predicted aggression both directly and indirectly through the mediating effects of sleep quality and social bonds. These relationships remained significant after controlling for demographic variables. To further validate these findings, qualitative interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached, reinforcing the proposed mediation pathways and offering deeper insights into the mechanisms involved. The findings are consistent with general strain theory and social bond theory, suggesting that elevated stress and weakened social bonds, either directly or indirectly, contribute to delinquent behavior such as aggression. This study extends existing theoretical frameworks by emphasizing the pivotal mediating roles of sleep quality and social bonds and offers practical implications for reducing adolescent aggression. Furthermore, these research results underscore the importance of targeted interventions aimed at improving sleep quality and strengthening social bonds to mitigate the negative effects of stress on adolescent mental health and behavior.

Young Adults' Social Relationships Affect Their Likelihood of Ruminating About Past School‐Age Victimization

Sarah T. Malamut, Christina Salmivalli — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

Rumination about past victimization as an adult underlies the link between school-age victimization and mental health difficulties in young adulthood. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the risk factors for adults to ruminate on their past victimization experiences. The current study fills this gap by examining whether current social relationships (e.g., workplace victimization, loneliness, romantic relationship satisfaction) of young adults play a role in rumination (as an adult) on past victimization. This preregistered study uses longitudinal data from 1772 Finnish individuals (M _age = 26.04, SD = 1.57), who were part of a large longitudinal project when they were in Grades 4–9, with a follow-up study conducted over a decade later. Workplace victimization and loneliness in adulthood emerged as key predictors of rumination in adulthood about past victimization. The findings suggest that current adult social relationships are a risk factor for previously victimized individuals to dwell on their victimization as adults, regardless of the extent to which they were victimized in adolescence.

Who Considers Terrorism Justifiable? A Machine Learning Analysis Across 65 Countries

Mohsen Joshanloo — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

This study applied Random Forest analysis to analyze 360 potential predictors of terrorism justification using data from the World Values Survey across 65 countries. Contrary to narratives that focus exclusively on religious extremism, the findings indicate that terrorism justification is more strongly associated with a worldview characterized by moral flexibility, antisocial values, and anti-democratic sentiment. An analysis of the top predictors revealed three overarching domains: (1) Normalization of Violence, where support for terrorism is closely linked to broader acceptance of aggression in political, interpersonal, and domestic contexts; (2) Moral Flexibility and Rule Violation, where individuals who justify terrorism also endorse dishonest behaviors such as bribery, theft, and fraud; and (3) Religious and Political Authoritarianism, characterized by support for governance based on religious authority and skepticism toward democratic institutions. These findings underscore the need for counter-radicalization strategies that address moral disengagement, promote democratic values, and strengthen trust in democratic governance.

Generative Artificial Intelligence in Violence Risk Assessment: Emerging Technology and the Ethics of the Inevitable

Neil R. Hogan, Gabriela Corăbian — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 06:59:34 -0300

ABSTRACT

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have stimulated considerable excitement and discussion regarding the potential impacts on people's lives and work. In particular, proposed and realized applications of generative AI have appeared across multiple industries and domains, including at the intersection of behavioral science and the law. This manuscript presents an ethical analysis of applications of generative AI to violence risk assessment, guided by the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence, and justice. The authors argue that generative AI, although capable of producing novel content, is nonetheless vulnerable to ethical problems, including through its exposure to biased training data. Issues such as limited transparency in decision making and the potential for the perpetuation and exacerbation of racial disparities are discussed. The authors recommend that professionals approach generative AI with due caution, as they would with any novel or emerging risk assessment approach, and suggest continued evaluation and research.

The Transformation of Mohamed Atta: The Relevance of Personality in Radicalization

Peter Langman — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:55:07 -0300

ABSTRACT

This is a single-case study of Mohammed Atta that utilizes Theodore Millon's model of personality disorders to explore Atta's transformation from a markedly shy, sensitive, and gentle person who abhorred fanaticism and violence into one of the leaders of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. First, a brief review of Atta's life and personality is presented. This is followed by a delineation of three possible pathways that could explain his transformation. These pathways include what Millon identified as a puritanical compulsive personality, a selfless dependent personality, and a spineless denigrating personality. Because personality is complex and multifaceted, it is noted that Atta's transformation could have been a result of some combination of these three personality dynamics. The role of personality factors, in combination with life circumstances, in expanding our understanding of the radicalization process is discussed.

Understanding Verbal Violence Perpetration Among Intimate Partner Stalkers Using Police‐Identified Psychological Distress and Drug Use

Ebonnie Landwehr, David Garratt‐Reed, Chloe Maxwell‐Smith — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:45:45 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

Stalkers' perpetration of verbal violence causes victims adverse mental health consequences, yet little research has examined this behaviour. Identifying correlates of verbal violence, as present in police data, could support the development of evidence-based practical strategies for police.

Aims

To understand the relationship between men's psychological distress or substance use, as identified by police, and their verbal violence against their female intimate partner stalking victims.

Methods

Data were extracted from anonymised police records of 603 men in Western Australia linked to a stalking offence in relation to a woman who is or was their intimate partner. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine whether police-identified psychological distress or drug use, as described in police incident reports, was significantly associated with verbal violence perpetration. Separate models were used to assess different expressions of verbal violence: ‘death/injury/sexual assault threats’ to the victim or of ‘other verbal violence’ only, and of the binary aggregate of these groups.

Results

Police-identified psychological distress (OR = 2.3–3.1) and drug use (OR = 2.1–2.2) were independently associated with reported verbal violence perpetration. Different patterns of findings emerged when verbal violence expression was differentiated across four contrasting groups. The model comparing ‘death/injury/sexual assault threats’ with ‘no verbal violence recorded’ explained over four times the variance of the model comparing ‘other verbal violence only’ with ‘no verbal violence recorded’. Physical violence was also relevant for understanding verbal violence perpetration.

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore correlates of intimate partner stalkers' verbal violence perpetration. According to police records, verbal violence was differentially associated with psychological distress, drug use and physical violence according to type of verbal violence and comparison group. These differences suggest that verbal violence expression types should be considered separately when intervening and within research designs.

The Prevalence of Narcissistic Vulnerability in Men in English Prisons After Criminal Conviction for Stalking

Gemma Dearn, Jennifer Bradbury, Helen Thomas, Rachael Wheatley — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:05:11 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

In earlier research with prisoners, we observed that convicted stalkers had skill deficits in interpreting their experiences of stalking and their motivations for it, suggesting narcissistic vulnerability.

Aims

Our primary aim was to explore the prevalence of narcissistic vulnerability in men serving a prison sentence in England and to investigate differences in narcissistic vulnerability and attachment styles between men convicted of stalking offences and men convicted of other offences but serving similar sentences.

Methods

Participants were from across 16 closed custodial settings in England. Everyone serving a sentence for a stalking offence was invited to participate together with a same size sample of men serving similar sentences for other offences and without a stalking history. 25%–30% of the eligible men agreed to participate. Each completed three psychometric scales, rating themselves on the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale (NVS), the Brief-Pathological Narcissism Inventory (B-PNI) and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) scale. A series of independent sample t-tests were used to compare the experimental group to the other-conviction control group.

Results

Twenty-nine individuals sentenced for stalking offences and 25 other prisoners, all men, completed. The stalking group had significantly higher mean scores on narcissistic vulnerability according to both scales and significantly higher mean attachment style difficulties together with higher mean anxiety scores and avoidant scores.

Conclusions

Our findings add data on aspects of personality to a limited pool that supports understanding of men convicted of stalking. Although our sampling and data collection were both limited by the COVID-19 pandemic conditions, our findings further evidence the case for intervention with respect to ameliorating the personality characteristics of narcissistic vulnerability and attachment styles of such men.

Does the Implementation of a Model of Care Improve the Value for Money of Mental Health Services in Prisons?

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:05:11 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

There is little research into appropriate measures of value for money in prison mental health services.

Aims

To develop and evaluate an accountability framework for an enhanced Prison Model of Care for people with serious mental illness in five New Zealand prisons. A key objective was to identify people with such illnesses who were missing from existing caseloads.

Methods

A generic public sector accountability framework was modified to provide measures of value for money around efficiency in its three component criteria of effectiveness and economy using a pre/post design, allowing measurement of flows between successive stages of this prison healthcare model. Measures were arranged into common dimensions around outcomes, outputs, inputs and costs, varied across the stages. The framework was populated with data collected from five prisons for the pre- and post-implementation periods.

Results

Improvements in the three criteria were generally obtained across all five areas of service delivery but especially in the screening, assessment, intervention and reintegration stages. Since these three criteria are major components of value for money, they provide evidence for improvement in value for money of the mental health services in these prisons. Other desired operational changes achieved were a threefold increase in the nurse to doctor ratio at the triage stage and slight increase in doctor to nurse ratio at the treatment stage. Overall, the implementation of this model of care achieved an increase in the size of caseload from 6.1% to 7.3% of the prison muster, equivalent to an increase in caseload of 21%.

Conclusions

This accountability framework confirmed the value for money of the Prison Model of Care for severe mental illness, highlighting areas of good performance as well as areas requiring further development. The framework also provides measures that can be used as key performance indicators in ongoing monitoring.

Mental Health of People Experiencing Homelessness and the Role of Hopelessness, Alcohol Use Disorder and Victimisation

Joscha Hausam, Friedrich Lösel, Robert J. B. Lehmann — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:05:11 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

Homelessness is an urgent social issue that is often linked to poor mental health. Despite their vulnerability, people experiencing homelessness remain an understudied group.

Aims

This study examined the mental health of people experiencing homelessness and its association with victimisation, alcohol use disorder, hopelessness and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

Data were collected from 112 people experiencing homelessness in Berlin, Germany (40% women, average age 44, homeless for 4 years). Participants completed a set of validated questionnaires (e.g., Symptom Checklist—Revised for mental health problems).

Results

Results indicate significantly elevated levels of mental health problems, hopelessness and alcohol use disorder in the sample, along with high rates of victimisation. Correlational and regression analyses revealed significant associations between mental health and victimisation but not with alcohol use disorder and hopelessness. Associations with sociodemographics suggest that younger people and people with a migration background are particularly affected by mental health problems.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions that address social and structural inequalities to improve the mental health of this highly vulnerable population. More research with larger, culturally sensitive samples and longitudinal designs is needed to better understand and address the complex interplay between homelessness and mental health.

Perceptions of Mental Health, Mental Health Needs and Access to Mental Healthcare Among Justice‐Involved Young People: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence

Mojca Babovič — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:05:11 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

Justice-involved young people face high rates of mental disorders, yet their needs often go unmet and their engagement with mental healthcare is low. Personal accounts by such young people are crucial for understanding how to enhance service delivery and informing future research. Bringing these together is important for narrowing the gaps in practice and research in this field.

Aim

The aim of this study is to answer, from published literature, two key questions: (1) How do young people involved with justice systems perceive their mental health and what factors influence these perceptions? (2) What do they view as barriers and facilitators to access to mental healthcare when within the justice system and what are their care preferences?

Methods

A systematic review and thematic synthesis were conducted using English-language studies that reported qualitative data on such views. Eight electronic databases were searched, as was the grey literature. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research.

Findings

Twenty-four studies involving 887 participants under the age of 21 were included. Four overarching themes emerged, with 15 supporting streams. Highlighted themes were low mental health literacy, stigmatising perceptions towards mental health and lack of trust in other people or the system. A call for belonging and connection with others was identified.

Conclusion

Justice-involved young people often fall through the cracks of the mental healthcare system due to systematic, environmental and individual challenges. Better awareness of the personal experiences and concerns of these young people is essential for service and system improvements.

Letter to the Editor: Response to ‘The Lifelong Impact of Bullying Behaviours on Crime Through David Farrington's Legacy’

Ching‐Heng Tsai, Lien‐Chung Wei — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:05:11 -0300

Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 240-241, August 2025.

Is Schizophrenia a Scapegoat? the Role of Childhood Traumas and Theory of Mind on Crime

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:05:11 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

Childhood traumas and low theory of mind abilities have been shown to be associated with violence, crime and schizophrenia. Understanding the factors that predispose to violent behaviour by patients with schizophrenia is important for treatment and safety.

Aims

To investigate relationships between childhood trauma, theory of mind and violent behaviour in patients with schizophrenia and in a healthy comparison sample. Our hypothesis was that patients with schizophrenia who had been violent would be more likely to have a history of childhood trauma and show impairments in theory of mind impairments than either non-violent patients with schizophrenia or healthy non-violent people.

Methods

In a cross-sectional design, we recruited 30 patients with schizophrenia who had a history of violent crime, 50 patients with schizophrenia but no history of violence and 50 healthy people without history of violence. Each participant completed the positive and negative syndrome scale, childhood trauma questionnaire, the reading the mind in the eyes test and the hinting task.

Results

Patients were significantly more likely to be male, without employment and on low income than healthy controls with a suggestion of the violent patient group being worst off. Childhood trauma history and theory of mind tests distinguished the schizophrenia groups from healthy controls but not from each other. Logistic regression analysis, comparing the schizophrenia groups only, confirmed that male sex and number of prior hospitalisations were the only two characteristics that independently distinguished the violent from the non-violent groups with schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Childhood trauma histories and theory of mind test results differed only between people with schizophrenia and healthy prosocial adults of similar age, but did not distinguish between the violent and non-violent people with schizophrenia. Whereas a pathway to violence in the context of schizophrenia from early trauma through impaired reading of others' emotions seems plausible, it still lacks evidence. Our findings suggest good reason to assess and treat impairments of emotional perception and processing in people with schizophrenia, but that the need is unlikely to be specific to those who become violent. This needs further research with larger samples.

Child‐Invested Contingent Self‐Esteem, Emotional Dysregulation, and Parental Maltreatment: An Actor–Partner Interdependence Model Among Chinese Parents

Jinrong Li, Wan Ding, Hongqing Yao, Teng Chen, Weijian Li, Ruibo Xie — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

Parental maltreatment has profound and severe negative effects on children's physical and mental development, as well as on family functioning and stability. Although the existing literature extensively investigates the mechanisms underlying parental maltreatment, the interdependence of parental behaviors and the unique role of cultural context—specifically, the potential influence of parental self-esteem on maltreatment behavior within the Chinese cultural framework—remain underexplored. Therefore, this study utilized a longitudinal Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM) to track 627 pairs of parents of fourth-grade elementary school students (fathers: M_age = 35.06 years, SD = 5.80; mothers: M_age = 33.09 years, SD = 5.89) over a 2-year period with three assessments. The aim was to examine the relationship between Child-Invested Contingent Self-Esteem (CCSE) and parental maltreatment, and to explore the potential mediating role of emotional dysregulation. The results indicated that parental CCSE significantly predicted their own maltreatment behaviors and directly predict their partner's maltreatment behaviors. Emotional dysregulation mediated the relationship between CCSE and parental maltreatment: parents' CCSE influenced their partner's emotional dysregulation, which in turn affected their own maltreatment behaviors. Simultaneously, parents' CCSE influenced their own emotional dysregulation, which indirectly affected their partner's maltreatment behaviors. This study provides a novel understanding of the mechanisms underlying parental maltreatment from the perspectives of CCSE and emotional dysregulation, highlighting the key role of parental interaction patterns and emotional transmission in the occurrence of family violence. These findings offer empirical support for the development of effective parental maltreatment prevention and intervention strategies that are culturally tailored to the Chinese context.

A Systematic Review of Substance Misuse Treatment Processes and Outcomes as Implemented in Prisons for Men in the UK

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

With a rising prison population, a substantial portion of whom are identified as substance misusers, it is important to understand the availability of treatment pathways, their successes and areas for improvement. Given the likely importance of national factors in criminal justice and substance use service provision, we chose to focus on one country.

Aim

To review substance misuse treatment and outcomes for such treatments as implemented in British prisons for men.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review, searching Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Sociology Collection, Web of Science Core Collection and Social Science Premium Collection between 1 January 2000 and 5 June 2024. Included were empirical, peer-reviewed studies of processes and outcomes of UK male prison-based substance misuse programmes. Primary outcomes included changes in substance use, withdrawal symptoms and experiences of interventions, whereas secondary outcomes encompassed quality of life, locus of control and mental health. Because of study design heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not possible. Analysis followed JBI methodology with a convergent synthesis.

Results

Fourteen studies were included: 8 qualitative, 5 quantitative studies of which 3 were randomised control trials (RCTs) and 1 mixed-methods study, with a combined sample of 4037 participants engaged in opioid substitute treatment (OST) and/or psychosocial interventions. Four key themes emerged: the power of purposeful activity, strengthening support systems, bridging patient needs with treatment plans and, for those in opiate programmes, experiences and engagement with opioid substitution treatments.

Conclusions

Participants articulated diverse treatment needs, highlighting the necessity of individualised and tailored reduction or maintenance plans. Treatment requires a comprehensive approach with the aim of facilitating effective social integration.

Development and Impact of a Specialist Formulation Tool Piloted in the OPD Women's Pathway

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:24:55 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

This was an evaluation of the quality of formulations for women within a community offender personality disorder pathway (OPDP) service. The evaluation was conducted following the delivery of a bespoke ‘formulating females who offend’ training event using a bespoke gender-responsive audit tool.

Aims

The aims of this evaluation were to use and review a bespoke gender-specific formulation audit tool and to evaluate the impact of a formulation training package on the quality of formulations and referral rates for women in the OPD pathway.

Methods

A training day was held for a range of professionals working within the OPD women's pathway. Professionals were requested to submit formulations they had completed prior to the training day and following the training day. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The results demonstrated that there was a significant difference between women with a formulation and those without a formulation on number of referrals to relevant services. However, formulation audit scores showed no significant differences scores pre and post training.

Conclusions

This evaluation successfully utilised a gender-specific formulation audit tool for women who have offended. Use of formulation increased referrals, which has the potential to improve wellbeing and reduce risk for complex women in the criminal justice system. There was no significant improvement in the quality of formulations written after attendance at a training event. The authors provide suggestions for a future evaluation to improve the audit tool by establishing a threshold for adequacy. Recommendations are made to improve staff skills in formulation by including a more extensive development package.

Discordant and Concordant Heavy Drinking and Other Drug Use Patterns and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

Heavy drinking couples in which one (i.e., discordant heavy drinking) or both (i.e., concordant heavy drinking) partners drink alcohol heavily are at greater risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) than couples in which neither partner drinks heavily (i.e., concordant nonheavy drinking). Additionally, the risk for IPV is particularly high among discordant as compared to concordant heavy drinking couples. Despite the fact that individuals who drink heavily often also use other drugs, the extent to which couples' use of other drugs interacts with heavy drinking patterns remains unknown. The current study examined differences in psychological and physical IPV perpetration as a function of couples' heavy drinking and other drug use patterns. The sample included 337 couples in which at least one partner reported a history of heavy drinking and IPV in the current relationship. Results of dyadic path models showed that concordant drug using couples who engaged in either discordant or concordant heavy drinking were at greater risk for male- and female-perpetrated psychological IPV compared to concordant nondrug using couples (regardless of heavy drinking) and concordant nonheavy drinking couples (regardless of drug use). Associations between heavy drinking and other drug use patterns on physical IPV perpetration were not statistically significant. These findings show that a pattern of concordant drug use paired with discordant or concordant heavy drinking places couples at particularly high risk for psychological IPV. Clinicians working with couples affected by IPV may benefit from paying attention to the dyadic dynamics of heavy drinking, other drug use, and IPV.

Low Power and High Psychopathy: A Toxic Combination for Psychological Aggression

Robert Körner, Astrid Schütz, Brad J. Bushman — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

Power and aggression are core relational variables that share a fickle relationship. It is unclear whether high or low power relates to psychological aggression and under which circumstances. We tested psychopathy as a potential moderator in the power-aggression link because psychopathy is characterized by a lack of empathy and shallow emotional response. Psychopathy could strengthen the link between high power and psychological aggression because power ignites character traits and their corresponding behavior. Alternatively, psychopathy could strengthen the link between low power and psychological aggression because individuals high in psychopathy may attempt to compensate for their lack of power with aggression. We tested these competing hypotheses in a romantic context across two studies (N ₁ = 188 individuals, N ₂ = 226 couples). We found power to be negatively related to both actors' and partners' psychological aggression. Supporting the latter hypothesis, we found that the most psychologically aggressive people had low power and high psychopathy. In addition, people reported high psychological aggression when their partners were low in power and high in psychopathy. These findings advance existing power theories and research by highlighting how personality traits such as psychopathy affect both intra- and interpersonal links to psychological aggression.

False Confessions: A Study Space Analysis

Laura Farrugia — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:24:42 -0300

ABSTRACT

Confessions are one of the most powerful types of evidence in the criminal justice system. Despite the vast amounts of psychological research conducted, false confessions still remain a pervasive problem around the world. Thus, an examination of the existing work conducted to date is needed to identify any gaps in knowledge or areas of further enquiry. A study space analysis was conducted to explore the adequacy and concentration of studies on false confessions. Using a combination of a number of key terms such as ‘false confessions’, ‘interrogation’, and ‘vulnerable adults’, a search of five databases was conducted. Overall, 230 studies were included in the final analysis. A total of 25 independent variables and 15 dependent variables were identified. However, the study space analysis revealed gaps concerning gender, vulnerability, and training and instructions regarding confessions. A lack of work exploring false confessions across crime types and severity was also discovered.

Does Risk Formulation Help Independent Review Board Decisions on Release of Prisoners? A Qualitative Study With Parole Board Members in England and Wales

Mary McMurran, Libby Payne, Alys Harrop, Nicola Bowes — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0300

ABSTRACT

Background

The Parole Board for England & Wales makes decisions on the release or continued detention of people in prison. Psychological risk assessments (PRAs) assist in decision making and it is crucial that they are of good quality, including coherent and useful case formulations.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine Parole Board members’ views on the accessibility, quality and usefulness of case formulations in PRAs.

Method

Interviews were conducted with 8 psychologist/psychiatrist members and 11 independent/judicial members.

Results

Respondents valued formulations in identifying idiosyncratic risk factors and linking these to risk management strategies. Nevertheless, they identified challenges to their validity, with concerns about facts versus hypotheses. Particular problems were seen in the assessment of those denying their offending and in collaborative case formulation. Integrating information and hypothesising under what conditions a risk factor might be activated was seen as important. Ignoring ethnic and cultural factors was seen as commonplace.

Conclusion

The opinions of Parole Board users of PRAs provide information that could be used to improve the validity and usefulness of risk formulations, including adding to existing practice guidelines. A broader study of users’ perceptions of PRAs as a whole, not just formulations, would be useful and research on impacts is desirable.

Public Estimations and Attitudes Towards the Insanity Plea in the United States: A Replication of Seminal Studies From the 1980's

Charis Blake, Christopher A. Modica — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:33:38 -0300

ABSTRACT

A series of pioneering studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s evidenced that the general public held grossly inaccurate estimations of the frequency and success of the insanity plea, as well as significantly negative attitudes towards the plea. Since the 1980s replications of these findings are nonexistent and, perhaps consequently, contemporary scholars continue to rely on the findings of these studies when discussing the general population’s understanding of the insanity defence. We replicated several major research findings from this body of literature by conducting a cross-sectional, online-administered, self-report study of 257 adults aged 18–65 within the general US population by administering the same questions as found in previous studies, and additional questions. Results support each of our hypotheses; compared to the two past representative studies, participants in this study believed that the insanity plea was used less frequently, was less successful when employed, was not as abused or overused, and was more acceptable as a defence. Throughout the paper we conjecture why attitudes and estimations may have shifted over the past 40 years. We also explicate how our results can be useful to lawyers or psychologists; primarily by elucidating attitudes and knowledge of the plea among prospective jurors.

Advancing Detection Strategies for Feigned Mental Disorders Across the Decades

Richard Rogers, Samantha R. Strickland — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:39:10 -0300

ABSTRACT

A seminal BSL article in 1984 provided a conceptual framework for systematically applying detection strategies to feigned mental disorders. Over the decades, gradual advances have emerged for delineating and operationalizing these strategies. The first major section follows the developments in feigning strategies for the MMPI family and the SIRS/SIRS-2 as leading measures for multiscale inventories and structured interviews, respectively. The second major section critically reviews two unlikely detection strategies (i.e., rare symptoms and symptom combinations) and two amplified detection strategies (i.e., symptom severity and symptom selectivity). The article concludes with recommendations for future research on potential strategies.

The News And Times Information Network: Blogs, Sites, News Reviews

Michael Novakhov (Mike Nova) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 11:27:58 -0400

Post Link | The News And Times Information Network: Blogs, Sites, News Reviews

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Selected Articles | In Brief | Current News In Brief

Sensory Penalties: Exploring the Senses in Spaces of Punishment and Social Control. Edited by Kate Herrity, Bethany E. Schmidt and Jason Warr (Emerald, 2021, 296pp., £70.00 Hbk)

Earle R. — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 21:00:00 -0300

Sensory Penalties: Exploring the Senses in Spaces of Punishment and Social Control. Edited by HerrityKate, SchmidtBethany E. and WarrJason (Emerald, 2021, 296pp., £70.00 Hbk)

Male, Failed, Jailed: Masculinities and “Revolving-Door” Imprisonment in the UK. By D. Maguire (Palgrave, 2021, 243pp, £89.99 hb)

Schinkel M. — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 21:00:00 -0300

Male, Failed, Jailed: Masculinities and “Revolving-Door” Imprisonment in the UK. By MaguireD. (Palgrave, 2021, 243pp, £89.99 hb)

Interactional Justice: The role of Emotions in the Performance of Loyalty. By lisa flower (Routledge, 2020, 220pp. £36.99 pb)

Gunby C. — Mon, 24 May 2021 21:00:00 -0300

Interactional Justice: The role of Emotions in the Performance of Loyalty. By lisa flower (Routledge, 2020, 220pp. £36.99 pb).

Mapping the Pains of Neo-Colonialism: A Critical Elaboration of Southern Criminology

Ciocchini P, Greener J. — Sun, 16 May 2021 21:00:00 -0300

Abstract

Recent appeals to decolonize criminology argue for a radical reorientation of the subject towards Global South relevant research agendas, theories and scholars. This paper begins by problematizing the current theoretical tendencies in Southern criminology’s view of coloniality and the vision for decolonization. First, Southern criminology has not directly engaged in investigating ‘empire’ in its current form; second, decolonization is viewed as primarily epistemological (transforming systems of knowledge production is seen as the central mode for decolonization); and, third, there is a tendency to reify Southern institutional responses to crime as preferable to Northern crime control. Launching from this critique, we argue that a successful Southern criminology should take seriously the continuing importance of structures of neo-colonialization: the Global system of accumulation founded on various matrixes of inequality, facilitating dispossession, appropriation and exploitation. We develop three criminological analyses of contemporary neo-colonization in Global South contexts: state-corporate ‘regimes of permission’, political economies of gender violence and racialization through criminalization regimes.

#CarolBerman M.D., THE #FBI #INFORMANT and the #psychopathic #nincompoop who #destroyed the #American #Psychiatry. #American #Psychiatry became the servant to #FBI. Former #APA official Carol Berman was and is the FBI informer closely connected with them

Michael Novakhov (Mike Nova) — Sun, 09 May 2021 09:26:52 -0300

#carolberman md, THE #FBI #INFORMANT and the #psychopathic #nincompoop who #destroyed the #American #Psychiatry- Google Search https://t.co/bnGFZEJGmV pic.twitter.com/yIaPvo4M04
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) May 9, 2021

#American #Psychiatry became the servant to #FBI. Former #APA official Carol Berman was and is the FBI informant closely connected with them through her sex partner who worked for FBI. FBI used the American Psychiatry as their tool of suppression. Details will follow. INVESTIGATE! pic.twitter.com/lpKji3Lxvw
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) May 9, 2021

The Inconvenient Truth About Mobile Phone Distraction: Understanding the Means, Motive and Opportunity for Driver Resistance to Legal and Safety Messages

Wells H, Briggs G, Savigar-Shaw L. — Sun, 02 May 2021 21:00:00 -0300

Abstract

Evidence for how phone-use impacts driving is clear: phone-using drivers are four times more likely to crash; demonstrate poor hazard detection ability; take longer to react to any hazards they notice; and can look yet fail to see. However, drivers are often resistant to research findings and, despite it being an enforceable offence, many still admit to using their phones. This paper combines what is known about the dangers of distracted driving with what research tells us about how drivers think about themselves, the law, and their risk of both crashing and being prosecuted. These blended insights explain why evidence may be resisted both by drivers and policymakers, highlighting the inconvenient truth of the distraction caused by mobile phone-use.

Securitizing the Colour Revolution: Assessing the Political Role of Triads in Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement

Lo T, Kwok S, Garrett D. — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 21:00:00 -0300

Abstract

In Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement, the use of Chinese triads to attack protestors has attracted international attention, forcing the regime to constrain further acts of grand illegitimate violence. Research suggests that triads were used as ‘thugs-for-hire’ by the regime to achieve political ends. The present study aims to examine why the triads were hired and what their specific roles and motivations were. It concludes that triads acted as non-state securitization actors, agent provocateurs or extralegal protectors depending on several factors, such as financial incentives, being stakeholders in occupied sites, business interests in mainland China and individuals’ political ideology. It suggests that triads were used as vigilantes against the threats of Western-instigated Color Revolution and hybrid warfare targeting China.

Rethinking Prosecutorial Discretion: Towards A Moral Cartography of Prosecutors

Tuesta D. — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 21:00:00 -0300

Abstract

This article examines the justifications that a group of prosecutors employs when coordinating human trafficking investigations in the Amazon. The study is based on interviews with officials who work in Madre de Dios, Peru, a region affected by small-scale gold mining, whose demand for labour has increased the incidence of human trafficking. I draw from Boltanski and Thévenot’s polity model to elucidate three moral principles regularly endorsed by prosecutors in the course of criminal investigations: efficiency, civic and domestic values. Together these comprise a moral cartography of prosecution. This study from the Global South contributes to a more holistic—and pragmatic—understanding of prosecutors’ charging decisions, complementing research approaching this topic from the perspective of bounded rationality.

This is Denmark: Prison Islands and the Detention of Immigrants

Barker V, Smith P. — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 21:00:00 -0300

Abstract

According to mainstream criminology, Nordic societies with their generous welfare states are supposed to moderate, if not restrict, penal powers. In the case of migration, we see the opposite pattern. In Denmark, we see extended use of penal institutions and penal harms to contain and remove unwanted populations from the region, including proposals for a prison island and the confinement of migrants in 19th century prisons. To make sense of these developments and interpret its social meaning, we unpack the logic of the punishment–welfare nexus and Nordic exceptionalism. We find that Denmark expands penal power to regulate non-citizens, deter migration and uphold national interests. These repressive practices are not exceptions to the rule but rather illustrate the exclusionary edge and very nature of the penal regimes in Denmark, a Nordic welfare state.