Subject
Mentally ill offenders Books
Best books
James Burt Miner
Deficiency and Delinquency: An Interpretation of Mental Testing
"Deficiency and Delinquency: An Interpretation of Mental Testing" by James Burt Miner is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work examines the relationship between mental deficiency and delinquency, focusing on the implications of mental testing, particularly through the Binet scale. The book aims to clarify how mental weaknesses correlate with social unfitness and delinquency, ultimately proposing a new methodology for diagnosing intellectual deficiencies. The opening of the text outlines the author's motivations for the research, highlighting a perceived need for clearer, more objective assessments of mental development concerning delinquency. Miner reflects on the challenges in defining feeble-mindedness and the importance of quantifying this concept for social care considerations. He introduces the idea of using a percentage-based system to more accurately categorize individuals based on their mental capacity and its societal implications, laying the groundwork for the detailed examination that follows in the subsequent chapters.
Bernard Glueck
Studies in Forensic Psychiatry
"Studies in Forensic Psychiatry" by Bernard Glueck is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the interplay between mental disorders and criminal behavior, particularly examining the psychological factors influencing criminality and how these can provide insights for legal and correctional practices. It aims to present a thorough analysis of individual cases as they relate to forensic psychiatry, challenging traditional punitive approaches to crime. The opening of the book sets the stage by addressing the evolution of thought regarding crime and punishment, suggesting that a more profound understanding of the criminal’s psyche is essential. Glueck presents the history of paternalistic attitudes in criminology and incorporates case studies that illustrate how mental health disorders and emotional distress play larger roles in criminal behavior than previously acknowledged. The discussion is centered around the notion that mental disorders can develop or be exacerbated by imprisonment, with various examples and analyses highlighting the need for an understanding of psychopathology in addressing crime effectively.
Émile Blanche
Des homicides commis par les aliénés
"Des homicides commis par les aliénés" by Émile Blanche is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the intersection of criminal acts and mental illness, specifically focusing on the nature of homicides committed by individuals deemed mentally unstable. Blanche meticulously analyzes various cases, aiming to clarify how different forms of mental illness can precipitate violent actions, thus challenging prevailing notions about responsibility and culpability in criminal acts. The opening of the text introduces the author's purpose: to explore the relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior, emphasizing that the severity of an act committed by a mentally ill person does not always align with the extent of their mental disturbance. Blanche intends to present various forms of alienation that often lead to such violent crimes, systematically categorizing them to reveal a deeper understanding of the motivations behind these acts. He discusses specific cases, including testimonials from individuals suffering from delusions, which underpin the complexities of mental health and its implications for legal responsibility. Through this meticulous examination, Blanche aims to provide a clearer perspective on the dynamics of mental illness and its role in criminality.
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