Responsibility for Crime

Abstract

The intricacies of the law in its endeavours to protect children from themselves, from exploitation and neglect, and from its own ultimate rigours are described and criticised in the light of recent recommendations for reform. Scientists who study child development are found to be equally confused in considering the problem of criminal responsibility. Early and recent arguments for replacing the concept of responsibility by a prospective approach of “treatment-based-on-results” are reviewed. Finally the future role of prisons and hospitals in relation to the treatment of psychopaths is discussed.