The criminal justice approach to dangerous offenders with mental disorder

Annotation:
Offenders of serious crime who are mentally disturbed are a relatively small group, but they place a significant burden on the criminal justice system. Due to their dangerousness, the prospect of their release is often out of the question, and imprisonment lacks the potential for rehabilitation as the primary criminogenic factor is the presence of a mental disorder or illness. In the Czech Republic, these offenders are therefore subject to protective measures in addition to punishment, such as protective treatment or protective custody. To date, research has indicated weaknesses in the practical application of these measures. Without a change in the current situation, no improvement can be expected in terms of the permanent overcrowding of detention facilities or the effectiveness of these measures. This research project will focus on identifying the obstacles to the effective functioning of the treatment system for these offenders and finding ways to remove them. The results could help to reduce the burden on the prison service and increase the effectiveness of criminal justice measures against this group of offenders.

Responsible researcher: PhDr. Šárka Blatníková
Research team:
JUDr. Petr Zeman, Ph.D.
Duration: 2024-2026