The Mentally Retarded Offender and Criminal Justice Personnel

Abstract

Mentally retarded individuals have in the past and will continue in the future to came into contact with the criminal justice system. What happens when this meeting takes place? This study investigated the knowledge and awareness of police officers, lawyers, and judges in the areas of mental retardation and the mentally retarded offender. The results indicate that confusion occurs at all levels, and the dispensing of justice might not always be just or equitable.

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