Mental Health, Crime and the Impact of Criminal Justice on the Vulnerable - (Critical Criminological Perspectives) (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book addresses a variety of key issues surrounding mental health and the criminalization of certain individuals and groups by the Criminal Justice System and the impact this can have on their mental health. It challenges the assumption that people with mental health problems are in some way a risk or danger to society (and themselves) and therefore have a greater propensity for committing crimes, when in reality they are more likely to become the victims of crime. It argues that the misguided correlations drawn between mental health and crime, as perpetuated by the media, policy makers, clinicians, agents of the criminal justice system, and ultimately the public, lead to the criminalization of the vulnerable. Furthermore, the criminalization, stigmatization, stereotyping, labelling and discrimination endured by people with mental health problems has a devastating effect on their mental health and well-being and has negative consequences for society as a whole. Each chapter focuses on a specific area relating to mental health, identifying key themes and issues, as well as offering recommendations for improvements with regards to the treatment and support for people with mental health problems. In addition, the treatment of offenders with mental health problems who engage with the criminal justice system and its services, such as the police, prison and probation services, is critically evaluated.

From the Back Cover

'Mental Health, Crime and the Impact of Criminal Justice on the Vulnerable is essential reading for anyone interested in criminalisation and mental health. In this timely and insightful book, the authors provide a convincing and searing critique of the harmful impact of punitive measures on those most marginalised by society. Thoughtful and practical recommendations for positive change support the authors' mission to reduce stigma and criminalisation experienced by people with mental health problems.' -Kathleen Kendall, Professorial Fellow of Sociology as Applied to Medicine, University of Southampton, UK, and Alice Mills, Associate Professor in Criminology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.

'This engaging book draws together essential key themes and ideas in discussing mental health, crime and criminal justice. It examines a range of perspectives about the way in which mental health is conceived and the way in which those perspectives operate in criminal justice, and it does this through placing the impact on the vulnerable at the centre of the discussion.' -Helen Johnston, Professor of Criminology in the School of Criminology, Sociology and Policing, University of Hull, UK.

This book addresses key issues surrounding mental health and the criminalization of certain individuals, groups and communities by the criminal justice system, and assesses the negative impact this has on their mental health and well-being. It challenges the assumption that people with mental health problems have a greater propensity for committing crimes, as they are more likely to become victims of crime. It argues that the misguided correlations drawn between mental health and crime, based on stigma, labelling and discrimination, lead to the criminalization of the vulnerable.

Bevis E. McNeil is Senior Lecturer in Criminological and Forensic Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

Maria De Angelis is former Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

Anthony Ó Donnghaile-Drummond is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

John Gregson is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

About the Author

Bevis E. McNeil is Senior Lecturer in Criminological and Forensic Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

Maria de Angelis is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

John Gregson is is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Leeds Beckett University, UK.