Offenders, Deviants or Patients?
An introduction to clinical criminology
📘 About This Book
Offenders, Deviants or Patients? provides a practical approach to understanding both the social context and treatment of mentally disordered offenders. Taking into account the current public concern, often heightened by media sensationalism; it addresses issues such as sex and ‘historic sex offending, ‘hate’ crime, homicide and other acts of serious bodily harm. This fifth edition is fully updated and incorporates the latest research and reflects recent changes in law, policy and practice, including: DSM-V criteria groundbreaking work on neuro-physiological aspects of psychopathy the Coroners and Justice Act Using new case examples, Herschel Prins draws on his own expertise and experience to examine the relationship between mental disorders and crime and looks at the ways in which it should be dealt with by the mental health care and criminal justice systems. Offenders, Deviants or Patients? is unique in its multidisciplinary approach and will be invaluable to all those who come into contact with serious offenders or those who study crime and criminal behaviour.
📖 Summary
Herschel Prins's work, titled Offenders, Deviants or Patients?, offers a comprehensive and practical exploration of the intersection between mental disorder, criminality, and the legal system. Spanning 373 pages in its fully updated fifth edition, the book tackles the intricate social contexts surrounding individuals who commit crimes while experiencing psychological or psychiatric challenges. Prins addresses a subject that frequently commands public attention and debate, particularly when sensationalized by contemporary media outlets. By grounding his analysis in real-world scenarios, the author navigates the complex terrain where legal culpability, social deviance, and clinical treatment meet. The text covers a wide spectrum of serious offenses, examining the underlying factors and societal reactions to sex offenses, historic sex crimes, hate crimes, homicide, and various forms of severe bodily harm. A major focus of the book is the intricate relationship binding mental disorders to criminal behavior, encouraging readers to think critically about how society perceives, judges, and manages these complex individuals. In this fifth edition, Prins incorporates cutting-edge research alongside contemporary shifts in legislation, policy, and institutional practice. Important updates include the integration of DSM-V diagnostic criteria, modern insights into the neuro-physiological underpinnings of psychopathy, and legislative developments such as the Coroners and Justice Act. Drawing heavily upon his extensive personal expertise and professional background, the author provides fresh case examples that illuminate the daily realities faced by practitioners in the field. Ultimately, Offenders, Deviants or Patients? serves as an essential resource for understanding how the legal and medical systems should properly evaluate and respond to individuals whose actions place them across the boundaries of law, mental health, and social norms.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a practical and comprehensive approach to a complex topic.
Incorporates up-to-date research, policies, and legal frameworks like the Coroners and Justice Act.
Utilizes real-world case examples drawn from the author's personal expertise.
Addresses contemporary public and media concerns surrounding violent and sexual crimes.
⚠️ Cons
The dense legal and clinical subject matter may be challenging for casual readers.
Focuses heavily on specific jurisdictions and systemic practices that may vary globally.
❓ FAQ
What is the main focus of Offenders, Deviants or Patients? +
The book explores the practical approach to understanding the social context, treatment, and legal handling of mentally disordered offenders.
Who is the author of the book? +
The book was written by Herschel Prins, who draws upon his extensive expertise and professional experience in the field.
What edition is this and when was it published? +
This is the fifth edition of the book, published in 2015, and spans 373 pages.
What major updates are included in this edition? +
It includes updates on DSM-V criteria, neuro-physiological aspects of psychopathy, the Coroners and Justice Act, and new case examples.
What types of offenses are addressed in the text? +
The text addresses serious offenses including sex and historic sex offending, hate crimes, homicide, and other acts of serious bodily harm.
