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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.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
