Citation

McSherry B. Trends Iss. Crime Crim. Justice 2004; 281.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Australian Institute of Criminology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The concept of 'risk assessment' is of increasing relevance when dealing with the prevention of criminal behaviour. This risk can be examined from a number of viewpoints. In an earlier 'Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice' paper (no. 280), the risk of reoffending by Indigenous male violent and sexual offenders was examined. This paper looks at risk assessment from a mental health perspective. It discusses risk predictors for future violence; the use of risk assessment in sentencing and preventive detention decisions; and the current legal and ethical background to risk assessment, including the question of breaching patient confidentiality in the public interest.