NCJ Number
16629
Date Published
1973
Length
49 pages
Annotation
AN EXAMINATION OF THE WORKING OF THE HOSPITAL ORDER (WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO COMMITMENT TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION), AND AN INQUIRY INTO THE SEEMINGLY UNSYSTEMATIC PROCESSES INVOLVED IN IT.
Abstract
THE REPORT BEGINS WITH AN OUTLINE OF THE SYSTEM OF DEALING WITH MENTALLY ABNORMAL OFFENDERS AND THE VIEWS OF MAGISTRATES AND OFFICERS OF THE COURT ABOUT IT. NEXT, THE OPINIONS AND DECISIONS OF PRISON MEDICAL OFFICERS AND, OFTEN AT SECOND HAND, OF CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRISTS ARE CANVASSED SINCE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PART THEY PLAY CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASIZED. LASTLY, SEVERAL CASE HISTORIES ARE EXAMINED TO ILLUSTRATE PROBLEMS IN THE SYSTEM AND SOME OF THE REPORT'S FINDINGS.