Search Results (448)

Background: Studies on the association between cognitive dysfunction and criminality have shown that individuals in prison, particularly repeat offenders and those convicted of violent crimes, tend to exhibit difficulties in cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. The objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize cognitive and executive functioning of incarcerated individuals, while also seeking to understand the impact of incarceration on executive functions. Methods: The sample consisted of 30 participants at various stages of their sentences. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted using cognitive screening tests and tests directed to assess executive functions and decision making. Results: Neurocognitive performance was within normative ranges. Selective associations between sentence duration and specific executive functions were observed, suggesting a relationship with criminal severity indicators. Decision-making also appeared impaired, as no evidence of learning was found and deck selection focused on more disadvantageous decks. Conclusions: These findings a relationship between indicators of criminal severity and specific aspects of executive functioning and decision making, rather than a generalized cognitive impairment. However, these conclusions require further research under this topic in larger and more diverse samples. Full article

(1) Background: Criminogenic cognitions can influence criminal behavior and recidivism. The validation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) within the cultural and social context of Romanian offenders, along with an understanding of their profiles, is essential for the development of effective rehabilitation. (2) Methods: The CCS was administered to 460 inmates across eight Romanian prisons, with the respondents having a mean age of 39.23 (SD 10.36; range 21–71). Data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the Kruskal–Wallis test. (3) Results: The Non-Acceptance of Responsibility (FAR) subscale had the highest internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.707), followed by Notions of Entitlement (NOE) (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.683). The Negative Attitudes Toward Authority (NATA) subscale was considered valid with caution (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.529). The highest FAR scores were observed among inmates convicted of sexual offenses, those who were widowed, and those with lower education levels. Higher scores were recorded on all scales for inmates who identified as drug users and those who perceived their punishment as unjust (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The CCS is valid in the Romanian context, and the variability of criminogenic cognitions based on education level, type of offense, and perception of punishment should be considered when implementing rehabilitative measures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) represent the most common manifestations of drug-induced allergy, with most unfavorable clinical outcomes seen in severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). To manage SCARs immediate cessation of the offending drug is needed; therefore, it is crucial to identify the list of medications associated with SCARs in real-world clinical practice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structure of drugs associated with SCARs and to analyze drug-induced SCAR signals by calculating the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR) based on spontaneous reports extracted from the Russian national pharmacovigilance database. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive pharmacoepidemiological analysis of spontaneous reports (SRs) registered in the pharmacovigilance database from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2025. Results: A total of 7011 SRs with SCARs were finally revealed, with 907 identified drug triggers. The most frequently reported were antibacterial drugs for systemic use (22.8%), antineoplastic agents (17.8%), and antiepileptics (6.0%). The top five drugs involved in SCARs were dupilumab (2.14%, n = 244), piperacillin and beta-lactamase inhibitor (2.0%, n = 227), pembrolizumab (1.98%, n = 225), levofloxacin (1.95%, n = 222), and linagliptin (1.93%, n = 220). The strongest signals were detected for linagliptin (PRR = 15.37, 95% CI: 13.54–17.44; ROR = 17.24, 95% CI: 14.95–19.88), followed by clindamycin (PRR = 12.44, 95% CI: 10.89–14.21; ROR = 13.62, 95% CI: 11.77–15.77) and by piperacillin and beta-lactamase inhibitor (PRR = 10.02, 95% CI: 8.86–11.43; ROR = 10.81, 95% CI: 9.42–12.40). Conclusions: Pharmacovigilance databases facilitate the identification of diverse phenotypes of SCARs and the list of culprit drugs. The accumulated data serve as a valuable tool to enhance clinical practice outcomes and strengthen overall healthcare monitoring. Full article

Dog bite incidents represent a significant public health concern, and DNA analysis, in addition to morphological comparison, has been recognized as a useful tool for identifying the offending dog. STR typing has been established as a reliable method for individual identification in dogs, with many successful applications reported. However, most previous studies have analyzed samples showing visible traces such as blood or saliva, and there have been no documented cases in which the offending dog was identified from clothing without apparent evidence. In the present study, STR analysis was performed on trace DNA extracted from the clothing of a victim who sustained a minor dog bite injury. The STR profile obtained from the sample completely matched that of one of the three suspected dogs, a Weimaraner, at all 19 loci examined. No visible saliva or blood contamination was observed on the clothing. This case demonstrates that even trace DNA from clothing without visible markings can yield a complete STR profile when appropriate sampling and analytical methods are applied. The findings highlight the potential of canine DNA forensics to contribute to animal-related investigations and underscore the importance of accumulating allele frequency data and standardizing analytical procedures for future applications. Full article

In forensic veterinary investigations of suspicious animal deaths involving loss of body parts, it is essential to determine whether the wounds were caused by human intervention or by other animals. Detailed postmortem examination of the wounds, combined with DNA analysis to identify biological traces left by the offending animal, play a critical role in such cases. Two primary methods are available for sample collection: muscle tissue sampling from the wound site and surface swabbing of the wound area; however, comparative studies evaluating these two approaches remain limited. In this study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis was performed using both muscle tissue sampling and surface swabbing in three forensic veterinary necropsy cases involving suspicious animal deaths with wounds or missing body parts, with the aim of identifying the animal species responsible for the injuries. As a result, in Case 1, canine DNA was detected from the wound of a cat carcass using both sampling methods. In Case 2, canine DNA was detected only with the swab method from the wound of another cat carcass. In Case 3, feline DNA was detected only with the muscle tissue sampling method from the wound of a duck carcass. Muscle tissue sampling, which targets deep tissues, offers advantages in preserving DNA integrity and quality. In contrast, the surface swab sampling is non-invasive and enables sample collection over a broader surface area, making it a valuable complementary tool. Although this study is based on a small number of cases, the findings suggest that combining both sampling techniques in wound-associated DNA analysis can leverage the strengths of each method, thereby improving DNA detection efficiency and enhance the reliability of forensic examinations. Full article

Child sexual abuse (CSA) has consequences beyond the direct victim, affecting non-offending mothers, who may experience psychological, physical, and social symptoms after disclosure. This systematic review examined the impact of CSA on these mothers and the variables that influence coping and recovery. Searches were run in EBSCOhost (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL) following PRISMA 2020 and a PEO framework. Three reviewers screened 128 records in Rayyan (Cohen’s κ = 0.73), and 17 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was appraised with ROBINS-E. Distress, anxiety, depression, and secondary traumatic stress were the most frequently reported symptoms. These consequences were associated with factors such as maternal history of abuse, perceived social support, coping style, and cultural or religious beliefs, highlighting potentially modifiable cognitive and contextual targets for support. A key contribution of this review is the identification of modifiable cognitive variables that are clinically relevant. Methodological limitations of the evidence base warrant cautious interpretation–comprising seven qualitative, nine quantitative cross-sectional, and one mixed-methods study, with heterogeneity that precluded meta-analysis and limited causal inference. Overall, the findings highlight the need for comprehensive, trauma-informed interventions that address not only the child’s recovery but also the well-being and resilience of their mothers. Full article

Within the structure of organised criminal groups (OCGs), women were traditionally relegated to peripheral and support roles (e.g., mothers and partners), with men primarily engaged in serious forms of criminality. However, more recent research has highlighted the varied roles women occupy within OCGs, including as traffickers, recruiters, and strategic advisors. Within this growing field of research, the present study sought to explore the role of female offenders in OCGs within Australia through a gynocentric and intersectional lens. Drawing on a content analysis of 84 court judgement transcripts involving convicted female offenders between 2010 and 2024, this study centres women’s experiences within OCGs. The findings reveal that women occupy a spectrum of roles across a range of offences such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud. Many offenders had histories of trauma, mental illness, and economic precarity, reflecting structural inequalities that shape pathways into criminality. The findings provide a preliminary understanding of female involvement within OCGs in Australia, including relational, survival-based, professional, entrepreneurial, and subordinate offenders. This study affirms the need for a gender-sensitive criminological framework that accounts for agency, coercion, and structural constraint. By focusing on the experience of women, the study contributes to a growing body of literature seeking to highlight the complexity and centrality of women’s roles within OCGs, while providing the groundwork for future studies. Full article

Justice-involved boys are more likely to become teenage fathers than their community peers. This is linked to numerous negative outcomes, including increased delinquent behavior. To help legal practitioners better identify which boys are at risk of becoming a teen parent, this study identifies factors at the time of boys’ very first arrest that prospectively predict their odds of becoming a teen father. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of 1216 adolescent boys at the time of their first arrest. Binary logistic regression models were used to predict the odds of becoming a teen father across three domains: individual factors, social and contextual factors, and risky behaviors. Approximately 15% of the total sample (n = 171) reported becoming a teen father after their first arrest. At the time of first arrest, poorer neighborhood conditions, increased peer delinquency, substance use, and self-reported offending history increased the odds that boys would become a teen father. Additional models indicated that substance use was the strongest driver of teen fatherhood. However, all factors failed to reached significance once condom use was included in this model. Practical implications for policymakers are discussed, along with suggestions for interventions to reduce teen pregnancy. Full article

Background: The DASH risk assessment scheme is used across the UK to identify and manage instances of domestic abuse. Recent studies have questioned whether the scheme can identify offenders who go on to commit further acts of domestic abuse, in particular serious violence, and therefore whether it is fit for purpose. Methods: We therefore tested the ability of the DASH to predict future instances of deadly or persistent domestic abuse. From a database of ≈25,000 incidents, we compared DASH assessments which preceded an incident of “deadly violence” or was the first in a series of “persistent abuse”. These groups were compared to a control group where there was no further incident of domestic abuse. Results: The proportion of “high-risk” stratifications was approximately 5 times higher in the deadly violence group compared to the control group. Prediction accuracy assessed via signal detection theory showed the DASH was a moderate predictor of deadly violence (AUC = 0.67). The DASH also showed predictive accuracy in identifying persistent offenders (AUC = 0.62). While these results are encouraging and are similar in efficacy to other risk assessment schemes used in the prediction of domestic violence, the results identified that many individual items of the DASH were not predictive. The inclusion of non-predictive items within the DASH adds “noise” and error into the risk evaluation. The development of a shortened version of the DASH, removing these ineffectual items, was shown to have even higher predictive value for deadly violence (AUC = 0.80). Conclusions: We stress, however, that the role of risk assessment is not to predict violence per se, but to prevent violence via the accurate identification of dangerous perpetrators and via effective intervention and safeguarding of victims. Despite this, research such as this is imperative to evaluate if the risk assessment schemes selected by practitioners and police are fit for purpose. Full article

Background: Germany provides a worldwide almost unique legal framework for offenders with substance use disorders through § 64 of the German Criminal Code, mandating a two-year multimodal therapy including an in-house clinical treatment period followed by a reintegration phase with gradually reduced supervision. During this phase, lapses are often concealed, with synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) serving as a potential tool due to limited detection in routine screenings and heterogeneous monitoring practices across forensic psychiatric clinics. Methods: This study compared two forensic hospitals, Guenzburg and Kaufbeuren, over a ten-year period, from 2014 to 2024, to evaluate monitoring strategies. While Kaufbeuren applied a case-dependent testing approach, including unannounced urine screenings, Guenzburg introduced a stricter regime in 2019, combining mandatory hair analysis three months into reintegration with unannounced broad-spectrum screenings including SCs. Results: Among the 527 patients included in this study, significantly more tests were conducted in Guenzburg after 2022. The different approach between hair vs. urine analysis produced a seven-fold higher detection rate of SC use compared to Kaufbeuren. Across both clinics, however, SC-positive patients shared similar features. They were younger at first conviction, more frequently under substitution treatment, and more likely to have committed violent offenses. A history of violence quadrupled SC-positive odds, while time since leave as such increased odds by 0.1% per day. Conclusions: In conclusion, these results underscore the effectiveness of standardized long-term SC monitoring using hair analysis and the predictive role of a history of violence in the context of SC-relapse. Full article

Although trauma exposure (TE) has been shown to be a robust predictor of youth involvement in the juvenile justice system, evidence regarding the role of TE amongst youth who recidivate has been more mixed. Recidivist youth are a population of particular concern, given evidence of declining mental health and diminished likelihood of returning to an adaptive developmental course. One way in which TE may contribute to these negative outcomes over time is through potentiating or “driving” mental health problems, which are especially prevalent among trauma-exposed youth in the justice system. To examine this hypothesis, longitudinal data were obtained over a 10-year period from a sample of 5615 juvenile justice-involved youth (1499 girls and 4116 boys) who completed a mental health screening at each admission to detention. Results of analyses assessing the associations among trauma exposure, linear and quadratic time, and mental health problems were consistent with the hypothesis that increases in TE were associated with increasing anger/irritability, depression/anxiety, somatic complaints, and suicidal ideation across repeat admissions. With the exception of alcohol/drug use, all mental health outcomes followed a quadratic trajectory over the course of multiple admissions. Rates of mental health problems were consistently highest for girls and White youth across all waves. These results add to our understanding of the role of trauma in mental health problems among persistent offenders and may help to inform interventions designed to reduce youth contact with the potentially iatrogenic effects of justice system involvement. Full article

Given the complex risk factors associated with youth offending, a comprehensive approach is needed to support the reintegration of incarcerated youth. Canine-assisted interventions (CAIs), involving structured, facilitator-guided programs with dogs, have emerged as a strategy to promote human well-being while sometimes attending to animal wellness. This scoping review, conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, examines the characteristics and benefits of CAIs for youth aged 12–17 involved in the criminal justice system. This review included studies published in English through 2024, focusing exclusively on dog-based interventions. Studies were sourced from databases and grey literature between 1998 and 2020. This review maps program designs, objectives, participant profiles, practitioner qualifications, dog roles, and reported outcomes for the youth participants and dogs. Findings reveal that some studies reported improved participant behavioural, psychological, and social outcomes, while few found no significant differences or noted symptom worsening. Some studies noted that training dogs in a CAI may boost their chances of adoption. Gaps include non-standardized terminology, need for more research, inadequate handler training, and insufficient focus on animal welfare. The study concludes that standardized protocols, enhanced handler training, and rigorous program evaluation are essential for ethical and effective CAI implementation that contributes to the well-being and successful reintegration of youth following incarceration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Overkill is generally defined as violence demonstrably exceeding the force required to cause death, often involving a disproportionate number of inflicted injuries. Typically linked to specific mental states, this phenomenon can serve diverse perpetrator purposes, from expressing sadistic impulses to deliberately contaminating forensic evidence. This study re-examines the historical case of Mary Jane Kelly, the canonical final victim of Jack the Ripper, to offer a historical perspective on extreme violence and its influence on modern forensic frameworks. Methods: We employed a retrospective analysis, combining a systematic literature review with application of the Homicide Injury Scale to documented autopsy findings from 1888. Results: The autopsy revealed systematic post-mortem mutilation following a fatal neck laceration. Application of the Homicide Injury Scale confirmed violence exceeding lethal force. Conclusions: This case represents a foundational example of organized overkill behavior, demonstrating the value of applying modern forensic frameworks to historical cases to inform comprehensive overkill analysis. Full article

Derived from the Community Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders scale (CATSO), the Perceptions of Sex Offenders (PSO) scale is 20-item instrument designed to be a practical and accurate assessment of perceptions of those who have offended sexually. The PSO was developed by Harper and Hogue through a revision of the CATSO scale, incorporating exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with new validation samples. A three-factor scale emerged which assesses perceptions related to the sentencing and management of sexual offenders, stereotype endorsement of the person who offends sexually, and perception of the person who has offended sexually as a continued risk. This entry outlines the historical context of the PSO and the social science literature in which the instrument has been used. As well, this entry describes the development and psychometric properties of the PSO as well as the potential uses of the instrument in non-academic settings (e.g., judicial, restorative justice). Full article

Gender-based violence (GBV) and traffic offenses pose significant public health challenges and contribute to widespread social issues globally. This study examines the sociodemographic and psychological profiles of individuals who commit traffic offenses and GBV, focusing on three alternative penal programs: TASEVAL (for traffic offenses), PRIA-MA, and reGENER@r (both for GBV). The study involved 54 participants distributed across these programs, using various psychometric tests to assess their profiles. Participants across the three programs (TASEVAL, PRIA-MA, and reGENER@R) were comparable in age (mean range 39.13–40.69 years) and nationality, with roughly half having prior contact with the justice system. Educational levels varied, with TASEVAL participants mainly completing secondary education (43.8%), PRIA-MA participants primary education (43.8%), and reGENER@R participants post-secondary education (59.1%). Employment status differed slightly, with TASEVAL and reGENER@R participants mainly employed (62.5% and 63.6%, respectively), while most PRIA-MA participants were unemployed (56.3%). Family characteristics varied across groups. In TASEVAL, having a partner and no children predominated (62.5% and 31.3%); in PRIA-MA, not having a partner and having two children predominated (62.5% and 37.5%); and, in reGENER@R, not having a partner and having one child predominated (59.1% and 31.8%). No significant differences were observed in sociodemographic variables. Regarding psychological characteristics, results across all groups indicate a marked presence of psychopathological symptoms and difficulties in emotional intelligence domains, with a significant correlation between psychological traits and coping strategies. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring alternative penal measures to the specific characteristics of each group to enhance effectiveness and reduce recidivism. Full article