Does mental health treatment reduce recidivism among offenders with a psychotic illness?

Prison inmate health surveys consistently show high proportions of prisoners have mental health problems; however, scholarly opinion is divided on the contribution of mental illness to offending. Some contend that mental illness is not a cause of offending and that mental health treatment will not reduce offending. Others maintain mental health treatment can reduce the risk of offending among persons with a significant mental illness. In this article we report the results of a rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of mental health treatment in reducing offending amongst a cohort of defendants with a diagnosis of psychosis. We find evidence that the provision of mental health treatment to defendants with a psychotic illness does significantly reduce the risk of further offending.

Does the Experience of Imprisonment Affect Optimism About Reentry?

Desistance research has linked prison inmate expectations with positive outcomes after release, but very little research addresses what makes them optimistic about their future. Using data from a representative sample, this article analyzes whether the manner in which a prison sentence is served impacts expectations about reentry. Results show that experiencing harsh prison conditions makes incarcerees more pessimistic about reentry, while receiving family support during imprisonment has the opposite effect. Given that the mission of the prison system is to prepare prisoners for a successful reentry, this study has several implications for correctional agencies.

Victim Participation in Parole Proceedings in South Africa

South African law provides for circumstances in which victims of crime may participate in the criminal justice system at the investigation, prosecution (trial), sentencing and parole stages. In South Africa, a prison inmate has no right to parole although the courts have held that they have a right to be considered for parole. In some cases, the victims of crime have a right to make submissions to the Parole Board about whether the offender should be released on parole. Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 provides for the right of victims of crime to participate in parole proceedings. The purpose of this article is to discuss section 299A and illustrate ways in which victims of crime participate in the parole process. The author also recommends ways in which victims’ rights in section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act could be strengthened.

RESPECTING THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE EXECUTION OF SENTENCES AND FREEDOM-DEPRIVING MEASURES RULED BY THE JUDICIARY BODIES DURING A CRIMINAL TRIAL

Through Law no. 254/2013 on the execution of punishments and custodial measures ordered by the court in criminal proceedings, continue changing the approach of the treatment of detainees. Transposition of human dignity in the prison environment involves a radical change in conceptions about prison, inmate and his treatment.