*/
The Lord Chief Justice highlighted the ‘disproportionate’ number of people with mental health issues in the criminal justice system and called for more action to ensure they are treated fairly.
Speaking at the launch of the Mental Health and Fair Trial report into mental health and the criminal justice system, published by Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon said it was important to put in place systems that ‘respond appropriately to the needs of such people’.
He cited Ministry of Justice figures from 2015 showing the ‘striking ‘ incidence of vulnerable people within the criminal justice system – 29% of individuals who are detained in police custody have some form of mental health condition; more than 25% of individuals resident i in approved premises, previously known as bail hostels, were diagnosed with a psychiatric condition; around 39% of those serving community sentences had a mental health condition; and over 90% of the prison population has at least one psychiatric condition.
‘These figures demonstrate that all professionals in the criminal justice system must be sensitive to the needs of such vulnerable individuals to ensure equality before the law, proper access to justice and a fair trial, all fundamental aspects of the rule of law.
‘That sensitivity will include an understanding of the particular problems faced by those with mental illness, neurological impairment or similar problems,’ said the LCJ.
The issue, he said, has been ‘of concern for many years’ and while changes and improvements have been made, it needs to be kept under review.
The Lord Chief Justice highlighted the ‘disproportionate’ number of people with mental health issues in the criminal justice system and called for more action to ensure they are treated fairly.
Speaking at the launch of the Mental Health and Fair Trial report into mental health and the criminal justice system, published by Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon said it was important to put in place systems that ‘respond appropriately to the needs of such people’.
He cited Ministry of Justice figures from 2015 showing the ‘striking ‘ incidence of vulnerable people within the criminal justice system – 29% of individuals who are detained in police custody have some form of mental health condition; more than 25% of individuals resident i in approved premises, previously known as bail hostels, were diagnosed with a psychiatric condition; around 39% of those serving community sentences had a mental health condition; and over 90% of the prison population has at least one psychiatric condition.
‘These figures demonstrate that all professionals in the criminal justice system must be sensitive to the needs of such vulnerable individuals to ensure equality before the law, proper access to justice and a fair trial, all fundamental aspects of the rule of law.
‘That sensitivity will include an understanding of the particular problems faced by those with mental illness, neurological impairment or similar problems,’ said the LCJ.
The issue, he said, has been ‘of concern for many years’ and while changes and improvements have been made, it needs to be kept under review.
Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC highlights some of the key achievements at the Bar Council this year
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
By Kem Kemal of Henry Dannell
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation
Joanna Hardy-Susskind speaks to those walking away from the criminal Bar
Imposing a professional obligation to act in a way that advances equality, diversity and inclusion is the wrong way to achieve this ambition, says Nick Vineall KC
Tom Cosgrove KC looks at the government’s radical planning reform and the opportunities and challenges ahead for practitioners
By Ashley Friday of AlphaBiolabs
