scholarly journals Climbing down the steps from the ivory tower: how UK academics and criminal justice practitioners need to work together on alcohol studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy Newbury-Birch ◽  
Grant J. McGeechan ◽  
Aisha Holloway
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Ivory Tower ◽  
Risky Drinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Funding Agencies ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Evidence in the UK tells us that risky drinking is high amongst those in contact with the criminal justice system. The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons why carrying out research around risky drinking in this setting is so difficult. Design/methodology/approach A commentary on the issues of carrying out research in the criminal justice setting. Findings There are issues of carrying out research in the criminal justice setting. The authors argue, that as academics we can be more proactive in working with practitioners in the design and carrying out of studies. By examining what the primary outcome of interest is to those that work in the field rather than what funding agencies tell us academics must use, academics may engage in a more co-productive way that enables everyone to achieve what they need. Moreover more work is needed to show how this approach can be achieved both in the UK and internationally. Originality/value This editorial explores some of the difficulties of carrying out alcohol research in the criminal justice system and postulates ways that this could be made easier.

scholarly journals A rapid systematic review of what we know about alcohol use disorders and brief interventions in the criminal justice system

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy Newbury-Birch ◽  
Ruth McGovern ◽  
Jennifer Birch ◽  
Gillian O'Neill ◽  
Hannah Kaner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Young People ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Brief Interventions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence of alcohol use disorders within the different stages of the criminal justice system in the UK. Furthermore it reviewed the worldwide evidence of alcohol brief interventions in the various stages of the criminal justice system. Design/methodology/approach – A rapid systematic review of publications was conducted from the year 2000 to 2014 regarding the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in the various stages of the criminal justice system. The second part of the work was a rapid review of effectiveness studies of interventions for alcohol brief interventions. Studies were included if they had a comparison group. Worldwide evidence was included that consisted of up to three hours of face-to-face brief intervention either in one session or numerous sessions. Findings – This review found that 64-88 per cent of adults in the police custody setting; 95 per cent in the magistrate court setting; 53-69 per cent in the probation setting and 5,913-863 per cent in the prison system and 64 per cent of young people in the criminal justice system in the UK scored positive for an alcohol use disorder. There is very little evidence of effectiveness of brief interventions in the various stages of the criminal justice system mainly due to the lack of follow-up data. Social implications – Brief alcohol interventions have a large and robust evidence base for reducing alcohol use in risky drinkers, particularly in primary care settings. However, there is little evidence of effect upon drinking levels in criminal justice settings. Whilst the approach shows promise with some effects being shown on alcohol-related harm as well as with young people in the USA, more robust research is needed to ascertain effectiveness of alcohol brief interventions in this setting. Originality/value – This paper provides evidence of alcohol use disorders in the different stages of the criminal justice system in the UK using a validated tool as well as reviewing the worldwide evidence for short ( < three hours) alcohol brief intervention in this setting.

scholarly journals Disability and the criminal justice system in Zambia

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-69
Author(s):  
Jessica Jacobson ◽  
Phillip Sabuni ◽  
Jenny Talbot
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Self ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
The Family

Purpose Drawing on multi-method research conducted in 2013-2014, the purpose of this paper is to consider the extent and nature of disadvantage experienced by individuals with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities (PID) who come into contact with the criminal justice system in Zambia. The research was conducted as part of a wider project aiming to bring about improvements in how people with PID are dealt with by the criminal justice services. Design/methodology/approach The research activities included interviews with 29 individuals with PID who had experienced the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or prisoners (“self-advocates”). A focus group and interviews were also conducted with the family members of people with PID who had criminal justice experience. Findings People with PID in contact with the criminal justice services in Zambia are disadvantaged and discriminated against routinely and systematically. Like all detainees, they experience harsh and at times brutal conditions of detention. However, because of their disabilities, such experiences can be more keenly felt: their disabilities may be exacerbated by detention or by limited or non-existent health care; and they are likely to be less resourceful than other detainees and, therefore, less able to cope with the privations of detention. Originality/value In drawing on the self-advocate interviews, this paper presents direct, vivid accounts of what it means to be a suspect, defendant or prisoner with disabilities in Zambia. These are extremely marginalised and multiply disadvantaged individuals whose voices are rarely heard.

Suicide prevention across the UK criminal justice system: an overview of current provision and future directions

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-62
Author(s):  
Stefanie Oliveira Antunes ◽  
Verity Wainwright ◽  
Neil Gredecki
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Current Provision

Purpose This paper aims to provide an overview of current suicide prevention across the UK criminal justice system (CJS). It considers shortcomings in current provision and how improvements could be made by drawing on international practice. Recommendations for practice going forward and suggestions for future research are made based on the literature. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides an overview of suicide prevention research to date. Relevant literature was identified through a basic journal article search, including terms such as “probation”, “criminal justice system”, “suicide”, “suicide prevention”, “UK” and “suicide theory”. Findings This paper highlights opportunities to improve practice based on the current evidence base, making several recommendations and suggestions for practice, including improving multi-agency cooperation through clearer distribution of responsibilities, simplifying data sharing and investing in trauma-focussed suicide training for staff. Practical implications This paper considers how research and psychological theory has informed suicide prevention practice in the UK. Limitations and challenges in applying theory to practice are explored, in the context of research with frontline staff who use such policies. This review proposes potential improvements to suicide prevention implementation to reduce suicide across the wider CJS. Originality/value This article represents an overview of the existing literature as well as possible future ideas for policy. It is therefore a piece that represents the viewpoint of all involved authors.

The needs of people with mild learning disabilities within the Scottish criminal justice system: a qualitative study of healthcare perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 175-186
Author(s):  
Fellex Mediseni ◽  
Michael Brown
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
System A

Purpose – The Purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the views and experiences of specialist learning disability (LD) health service professionals regarding the management of and support offered to people with LD when they come into contact with the Scottish criminal justice system (CJS). Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative design was adopted for this study due to the limited existing evidence in the area and the need to start to build and develop understanding of the phenomena under study. A purposive sampling procedure was used to select participants from an accessible population within one Scottish NHS Health Literature review, qualitative research, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Findings – The findings identified three key themes challenges in practice; the need for additional resources; and the ability of services to provide management and support. Originality/value – The findings serve to contribute to the understanding of the role and contributions made by and required from specialist LD health services to manage and support people with LD in the Scottish CJS.

Yes, has no meaning if you can’t say no: consent and crime in the chemsex context

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Morris
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Personal Perspective ◽  
Sexual Offences ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Criminal Justice Response ◽  
Personal Viewpoint

Purpose The title of this paper is a statement made by a man at the end of his treatment following conviction for several sexual offences. It is powerful in conveying a simple and accurate meaning of consent. Legally, consent is not complicated and can be simply defined as: permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. The context of consent, however, is complicated and complex none more so than when it becomes an issue within chemsex. If we are to gain a full appreciation of consent-related complexity, we must also gain an understanding of the wider picture concerning chemsex and crime. The purpose of this paper is to provide that wider picture. With the exception of breaching of drug-related law, not all men who engage in chemsex are committing offences but, as we are discovering, a not insignificant percentage are and this needs to be cause for concern. Design/methodology/approach This study is a review and a personal perspective of the development of a criminal justice response to crime within the chemsex context. Findings This was a personal viewpoint, not a research project; therefore, there were no definitive findings. Originality/value This paper addresses lack of awareness within the criminal justice system in relation to chemsex, and the associated vulnerabilities. This work is original because there is a shortage of published work on the rise in chemsex-related crimes.

Ameliorating vulnerability arising from involvement with criminal courts

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terese Henning
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Criminal Courts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Program ◽  
Scholarly Discussion

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of major mechanisms instituted in Australia to ameliorate the experience of vulnerability arising as a corollary of involvement in Australian criminal courts as defendants, victims or witnesses of crime or family members/friends of such people. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins by providing an overview of two major categories of vulnerability within the criminal justice system – generally experienced vulnerability arising as a corollary of involvement in Australian criminal courts and attribute-based vulnerability. It focusses on the former locating it within a human rights framework. It then outlines dominant responses to this form of vulnerability. Finally it considers the potential for the Court Network program to achieve a more integrated approach to ameliorating this form of vulnerability. Findings The paper takes the view that major responses to systemic vulnerability in the criminal justice system fall short of adequately managing this form of vulnerability. It suggests that the Court Network model has the potential to address some lacunae in other responses and importantly to provide a gateway to them. Originality/value It explores an aspect of vulnerability that is now infrequently addressed and considers one option to supply lacunae in other major responses that has not yet been brought into the scholarly discussion in any significant way.

Payment by results: the materialist reconstruction of criminal justice

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 290-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
Modern Capitalism ◽  
Late Modern

Purpose – The criminal justice system in England and Wales is being reconstructed on a new operating platform of which Payment by Results (PbR) is the material signifier. This critical historic transformation is occurring during a period of radical economic disruption and political restructuring after 2007-2008. PbR signals the deeper penetration of the core principles of capitalism into the body of the state and its welfare and criminal justice system. Conceptually a Lacanian-Žižekian framework is put to work to theorise these important transformations. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The design and methodology of this research paper utilises open sources and documentary materials on the development of PbR, in its application primarily to the criminal justice system. Findings – There is evidence that PbR, located within the wider context of capitalist reconstruction, is radically transforming the delivery of criminal justice services. Originality/value – This is the first critical analysis of PbR located within the context of late modern capitalism.

The impact of DNA on criminal investigation

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-108
Author(s):  
Colin Dale
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Dna Profiling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Case ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the discovery of the application of DNA profiling to the criminal justice system. Design/methodology/approach Researching the origins of the discovery of the application of DNA to the criminal justice system via an analysis of the first case in which it was applied to. Findings It was discovered that the first application of DNA profiling to the criminal justice system meant that a young man with intellectual disabilities was saved from wrongful prosecution. The case study also raises ethical issues concerning the mass screening of targeted populations by way of DNA. Originality/value The case study is descriptive in nature and draws from earlier work describing the events which unfolded.

Restorative justice a postcode lottery? – availability and quality of service

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 120-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellie Acton
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Service ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Restorative Justice ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Personal Viewpoint

Purpose – The reinvigoration of restorative justice (RJ) within criminal justice has brought with it many opportunities but also significant challenges. The purpose of this paper is to explore the current considerations when providing a quality RJ service that meet the needs of victim, offender the community and the criminal justice system. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a personal viewpoint of the author obtained from working nationally in the criminal justice arena specifically advising on RJ to police forces, police and crime commissioners and others. Findings – Findings suggest the provision of RJ in the UK is patchy, and the provision of a quality provision even more of a challenge. Practical implications – Consideration given to the need for quality not to be sacrificed in the advancement of RJ and some of the implications of this. Originality/value – Offers perspectives on the application of RJ in new and rapidly growing arenas.

Screening for learning disabilities in the criminal justice system: a review of existing measures for use within liaison and diversion services

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Silva ◽  
Karen Gough ◽  
Hannah Weeks
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
System A ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – At present, there are significant limitations to the criminal justice system’s (CJS) ability to respond appropriately to detainees or defendant with learning disabilities (LD). The development of Liaison and Diversion Services has provided the opportunity to more easily identify people with LD in the CJS through the use of screening assessments. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to consider why there is a need for screening assessments and review the literature on existing measures, in order to consider the next steps to develop a more effective pathway from the CJS to LD services. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the form of a literature review. Findings – The review found that there is a significant body of research defending the need for LD screening in the CJS across the UK. The aim of a screening process would be to identify individuals who possibly have LD and ensure that the correct measures are in place to assess and manage these individuals, including appropriate diversion to specialist LD services. The learning disability screening questionnaire (LDSQ) is an instrument that could be utilised in these instances and could be carried out by Liaison and Diversion Services. Research limitations/implications – Neither of the tools reviewed in this paper have been vigorously field tested within forensic settings in the UK. It is recommended that there should be trials of the LDSQ as a screening tool within Liaison and Diversion Services with comparison against outcomes of full diagnostic assessments for LD. Originality/value – Screening for LD is being discussed across the UK as part of Liaison and Diversion Services. This paper highlights the need for a reliable and valid screening tool and provides support for the use of the LDSQ.

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