The impact of forced forensic psychiatric confinement on composition and structure in the personal networks of personality-disordered forensic psychiatric patients

This study explored to what extent the composition and structure of personal networks of personality-disordered forensic psychiatric patients changed before and after forced confinement in a forensic psychiatric centre. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 36 patients and selected members of their networks were examined. During forensic psychiatric treatment, patients reported a decrease in network size, in the number of high-risk network members, and in the number of social ties between these high-risk network members. Personal relationships were of shorter duration, with lower levels of contact frequency and reciprocity. No changes were observed in the patients’ companionship, practical and emotional support networks. During forensic psychiatric treatment, patients reported some new relationships, especially with persons outside the forensic psychiatric centre. Information on compositional and structural personal network factors over time helps forensic mental health professionals to properly assess and manage the important dynamic social network conditions associated with recidivism.     

The police subculture and occupational socialization: Exploring individual and demographic characteristics

Popular in the law enforcement literature, the concept of the “police subculture” traditionally has been predicated on homogeneous personnel selections. Although female and minority representation has increased in law enforcement, the impact of females and minorities on the police subculture has not been empirically evaluated. Traditional research in this area has suggested that the socialization process is so intense and the subculture so strong that individual characteristics are quickly overwhelmed. However, these studies were undertaken prior to the mandated introduction of female and minority officers. Results of this study show no significant relationship exists between occupational identification and demographic characteristics; however, level of socialization does show a significant relationship to demographic variables. The sample consisted of four regularly scheduled academy classes with varying levels of police experience. This sample was selected due to the diversity in the level of police experience among respondents. It was hypothesized that demographic variables, such as race, gender, age, military experience and level of police experience, would not significantly affect occupational identification or levels of socialization. The data indicated that individual characteristics, such as race, gender, age, military experience, and level of police experience, did not appear to have a significant effect on occupational solidarity. These individual characteristics, however, were found to display significant relationships with level of socialization.     

Suicidal ideation in a United States jail: demographic and psychiatric correlates

Suicidal behavior is a significant problem in United States jails. Suicidal ideation (SI) is an established precursor to suicidal behavior in incarcerated populations. No studies to date have examined the prevalence of SI or its correlates in a mixed-gender U.S. jail sample. The purpose of the present study was to document rates of SI in a mixed-gender jail sample and examine socio-demographic and psychiatric correlates. This study of 511 jail inmates found that approximately 16% of participants reported clinically significant SI upon incarceration. White participants, suicide attempters, and those with a psychiatric diagnosis history endorsed greater SI. Reported SI did not differ by sex and was not correlated with age. Clinically, results indicate that screening for SI in jail samples is necessary to identify high-risk individuals for intervention to prevent suicidal behavior.     

论人身死伤损害的定额化赔偿

本文介绍评述了定额化赔偿理论,分析研究了我国人身损害赔偿立法的演变,提出我国民法典应对人身损害施行全部赔偿、定额化赔偿和概括性赔偿的建议。     

Mental health weapons prohibition: demographic and psychiatric factors in petitions for relief

Federal law and most states prohibit possession of firearms by individuals with a history of certain psychiatric diagnoses and/or treatment. In California, an involuntary 72-h hold can trigger a 5-year ban on firearm possession. Individuals so prohibited may petition for early termination of the ban. We report on the demographic and psychiatric characteristics of a sample of individuals petitioning for early relief in Los Angeles County, and on the results of their petitions. The majority of petitioners were Caucasian men over age 40. Sixteen percent of petitioners were employed in law enforcement or armed security, and all of their petitions were granted. Individuals for whom there was greater evidence of mental disorder were significantly less likely to petition successfully. The results are discussed in terms of the benefits of involving a forensic expert in the petition process, which is not presently required under California law.     

Claims of psychiatric injury after alleged false arrest

Litigation has increased rapidly in the United States; those who feel aggrieved sue readily for damages. Police officers and security people may be sued after arrests or detention followed by unsuccessful prosecution or dropping of criminal charges. Claims of psychiatric injury may be made where there are no discernible damages otherwise. Examiners must keep in mind that physical abuse or grossly inappropriate police behavior may be factors in the ultimate results. This paper reviews 13 cases of claimed psychiatric injury after arrest. Almost all were settled, some for significant amounts. Appropriateness of evaluation, the value of nuisance suits in this type of litigation, the role of attorneys' fees, and the effect of Federal suits as opposed to state suits are discussed.     

Clinical and demographic characteristics of elderly offenders at a maximum-security forensic hospital

The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of the male elderly offenders admitted to a maximum-security forensic hospital. Charts of male elderly patients were reviewed to obtain clinical and demographic data. Seventy-seven percent of geriatric felons were involved in violent crime, 41% of which had psychotic symptoms. Forty-five percent of offenders with a history of head trauma/neurologic disorder were charged with violent offenses. Fifty-nine percent had previous psychiatric hospitalization. Most elderly male offenders involved in violent crimes had primary psychotic and mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and a history of head trauma/neurologic disorder. The small number of subjects precludes clear conclusions and needs further study.     

面部损伤的特点及其法医学鉴定

目的　研究面部损伤的特点及法医学鉴定要点。方法　对 1 997年 1～ 6月期间活体损伤鉴定例中有关面部损伤的案例进行分析 ,并按年龄段分为 3组 :Ⅰ组 (未成年组 ) <1 8岁 ;Ⅱ组 (青壮年组 ) 1 8～5 9岁 ;Ⅲ组 (老年组 )≥ 6 0岁。结果　半年期间所有活体检验案例中 ,面部损伤占总数的 4 3 4 0 % ( 1 2 3例 ) ,其中未成年组 1 5例 ,青壮年组 1 0 0例 ,老年组 8例。各组研究结果显示 :( 1 )未成年组多因意外事故致伤 ( 6 6 6 7% ) ,发生地点以学校和住家附近为主 ( 6 6 6 7% ) ,主要被认识的人致伤 ( 73 33% ) ,未发现亲属致伤 ;老年组 ( 8例 )损伤较轻 ,多为软组织损伤 ( 5 7 1 4% ) ,因家庭纠纷引起多见 ( 5 0 0 0 % ) ,发生在住家及其附近为主 ( 75 0 0 % ) ,大多数被亲属及熟人所伤 ( 75 0 0 % ) ;青壮年组 ( 1 0 0例 )的起因、发生地点及损伤情况广泛及多样。结论　面部损伤是法医学鉴定中常见损伤之一 ,面部损伤的特点与不同年龄组别有密切关联。但由于损伤的部位特殊 ,有些问题需要在法医学鉴定中进一步讨论     

Self-represented litigants: the overlooked and unintended consequence of legal aid reform

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) comes into force in April 2013 and is widely expected to lead to an increase in the number of self-representing litigants (SRLs) in the family courts. Taking a practitioner focus, this article considers the negative impact of this increase and considers possible measures for combating the practical pitfalls such a growth in SRLs presents.     

船东对受雇船员人身损害的责任承担

劳动关系是雇佣关系的社会化,劳务关系则外延广泛。运用比较法的研究方式辨析劳务关系、雇佣关系、劳动关系三者的联系与区别,从而找寻出船员在雇佣过程中受伤,船东承担相关责任的正确法律依据,以解决司法实践中适用法律不统一的问题。     

Risk assessment in offenders with mental disorders: relative efficacy of personal demographic, criminal history, and clinical variables

Following the meta-analysis by Bonta, Law, and Hanson, (1998) this study examined the ability of personal demographic, criminal history, and clinical variables to predict reoffending in offenders in the United Kingdom who had mental disorders. The efficacy of each variable in predicting rate of general reoffending and violent reoffending was investigated. Age on admission, number of days hospitalized, and number of previous offenses were the most effective variables in predicting re-offending, with number of previous offenses being the strongest predictor. Clinical diagnosis was not predictive of reoffending when the variance attributable to these other predictors was controlled for. None of the variables were able to discriminate between general offenders and violent offenders indicating that the same variables predict both types of reoffending. The results showed that reconviction in offenders with mental disorders can be predicted using the same criminogenic variables that are predictive in offenders without mental disorders.     

在校未成年学生人身伤害赔偿浅议

学校是专门从事教育的社会公益性组织。学校有依未成年学生法定监护人的委托而在特定时间和区域内对未成年学生进行监护的职责。其监护职责的归责原则是以过错责任原则为主,公平责任原则为补充。对于因未成年学生在校发生人身损害而引起纠纷的处理主要应依照此归责原则来衡量,综合加以考虑。