Treatment of criminal offenders with psychopathic personality traits

University of Maastricht, Faculty of Law

Supervisor: Dr. Marko Jelicic

Location: 3.736 UNS40

Phone number: +31433881904

E-mail: m.jelicic@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Treatment of Criminal Offenders with Pronounced Psychopathic Traits – A comparison between the Swiss and the Dutch Law

Master Thesis

Natalie Balazs
Zeughausstrasse 6

8412 Aesch b. Neftenbach
Email: natalie_balazs@hotmail.com

6th Period, Master in Forensics, Criminology and Law
ID: i6098198

Word Count: 9874

Due date: June 30th, 2015

Index

Bibliography                            

Internet Sources                           

List of Abbreviations                      

I.        Introduction                                  

II.        The Construct of Psychopathy                                  

a)        Symptoms and Diagnosis                                  

b)        Efficacy of Therapeutic Interventions                                  

aa.        Paradox Effect: Does Therapy Increase the Danger of Criminal Recidivism?        

bb.        Treatment Discontinuations        

III.        General Recommendations for an effective treatment of offenders with psychopathic personality traits                                  

a)        Selection of suitable Therapists                                  

b)        Establishment of a stable Patient-Therapist Relationship                                  

c)        Motivating Offenders to Change                                   

d)        Following the Rules/Clearly Structured Setting                                  

e)        Thorough Observation of Patient’s Behavior                                  

f)        Focus on Cognitive Strengths, Not Emotional Deficits                               

g)        Environment                                

h)        Treatment of Criminogenic Factors                                

b)        Concluding Side Notes                                

IV.        Psychopathy and the Criminal Law in Switzerland                                

a)        The Difference between Punishment and so-called “Measures”                                

aa.        Scope of Application        

bb.        Lack of Criminal Responsibility / Mental Incapacity according to the SCC        

b)        Psychopathy and Risk Assessment in Evaluations for Court                                

c)        Therapy for Psychopaths                                

V.        Treatment of Psychopathic Patients according to Dutch Law                                

a)        Treatment Setting                                

aa.        Assessment of Criminal Liability in the Netherlands        

bb.        Combination of Imprisonment and TBS treatment        

b)        TBS order and Effectiveness                                

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