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CRIMES OF VIOLENCE AND INCOMPETENCY DIVERSION

NCJ Number
19380
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 66 Issue: 1 Dated: (MARCH 1975) Pages: 73-78
Author(s)
H J STEADMAN; J BRAFF
Date Published
1975
Length
6 pages
Annotation
DEVELOPS STATISTICS FOR INCOMPETENT DEFENDANTS IN NEW YORK AND DISCUSSES IMPLICATIONS OF THE RATES OBTAINED.
Abstract
THE MATERIAL USED DEALS WITH THE DISTRIBUTION OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES FOR THE 541 MALE FELONY DEFENDANTS FOUND INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL UNDER THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW. SIGNIFICANT DISCREPANCIES IN THE OFFENSE DISTRIBUTION WERE FOUND. THE AUTHOR CONCLUDES THAT THE DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN VIOLENT CRIME ARREST RATES AND OFFENSES AMONG INCOMPETENT DEFENDANTS ARE TO BE EXPECTED SINCE MENTAL ILLNESS IS LINKED TO SUCH BEHAVIOR. SUCH DISCREPANCIES ARE ALSO THE RESULT OF DISPOSITIONAL PLOYS ON THE PART OF BOTH THE PROSECUTION AND THE DEFENSE.