Ahi Evran Medical Journal (Dec 2021)
Sociodemographic, Clinical and Criminological Characteristics of Cases with a Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability Evaluated for Criminal Responsibility
Abstract
Purpose: It was aimed to determine the sociodemographic, clinical, and criminological characteristics of individuals diagnosed with intellectual disability, who underwent forensic psychiatric examinations for criminal responsibility assessment, and to examine the effects of these characteristics on their criminal behavior and criminal responsibility. Materials and Methods: 832 Forensic Medicine Board Reports issued for criminal responsibility assessment between 2012 and 2019 were investigated retrospectively. The reports of the 69 individuals diagnosed with intellectual disability were examined. Results: 86.9% of the cases were male, and the mean age at the crime was 32.49±11.39. It was determined that none of them had a profession; only 30.5% of them were working in jobs that did not require complex mental functioning and adaptation skills. 26.1% of the cases were diagnosed with Borderline Intellectual Functioning, 58% with Mild Intellectual Disabilities, 15.9% with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities. 8.6% had a comorbid neuropsychiatric disease. It was found that 37.6% of them had a previous criminal history, 74% of the cases committed violent acts, and the victims of crime significantly included family members. According to the results of the reports, it was determined that 46.4% of the cases did not have criminal responsibility, while 43.5% of them diminished criminal responsibility and 10.1% had criminal responsibility. Conclusion: While evaluating whether individuals with intellectual disability have criminal responsibility, their clinical characteristics, limitations, and risk factors that predispose to crime should be considered in a holistic approach. In addition, determining risk factors is also important in terms of maintaining the continuity of social skills and functionality.
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