Case report: Assessing criminal responsibility and recidivism risk in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to personality changes, language impairments, and behavioral disturbances, including impulsivity and disinhibition. Assessing responsibility and recidivism risk in forensic evaluations is challenging due to the evolving nature of FTD. Despite limited literature, we present a case of a 45-year-old man with no prior legal or medical history, who committed criminal acts due to behavioral changes linked to the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Initial assessment found him irresponsible, with a non-evaluable risk of recidivism. Subsequent evaluation showed a low recidivism risk based on clinical evolution. We discuss these findings considering existing literature and Swiss jurisprudence.

Forensic psychiatric assessment in autism spectrum disorder: Experience of a forensic psychiatry inpatient clinic from Türkiye.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by marked differences in communication patterns, reciprocal social interactions, and restricted, stereotyped, and repetitive interests and activities. Various behavioral problems in ASD, more so when accompanied by coexisting psychopathology, can sometimes lead to legal problems. In this study, the cases in which an opinion was requested in terms of criminal responsibility with the diagnosis of ASD in the 5-year period between 2018 and 2022 in the expertise department of psychiatric observation, where psychiatric cases were hospitalized and observed in the Council of Forensic Medicine (CFM), which is the official expert institution in Türkiye, were retrospectively evaluated. The mean age of the group whose criminal responsibility was reduced or removed was 22.9 years (±7.52) and the mean IQ score was 76.63 ± 18.94. The most common crime in this group was intentional injury (5/11), and it is noteworthy that the victims of these crimes were usually relatives of people with ASD (5/6). The criminal acts of people with ASD are usually single-movement, spontaneous, unplanned, impulsive acts. In addition, although there is no problem in cognitive perception in people with high functioning ASD (HF-ASD), various forensic situations may arise due to defects in emotional awareness. When we look at the practices of the CFM in Türkiye, it is seen that in cases where the diagnosis of ASD is clear and can be associated with the crime, criminal responsibility is usually completely eliminated. In HF-ASD types, although it is important to be associated with the crime, it is seen that criminal responsibility is generally reduced.

Peer assumption: an illusory consensus hidden in the criminal responsibility of juvenile offender-evidence from psychology.

Introduction: There is a consensus hidden in the criminal legislation of many countries that the criminal responsibility capacity of juvenile offenders is not significantly different from that of their peers. The purpose of this paper was to test this hypothesis. The research objects of this paper were 187 juvenile offenders in J Province, China, who are under detention measures, and 2,449 students from junior high school, senior high school and university in S Province as comparison objects. We subjected the gathered materials to independent-samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: (1) The self-control ability (109.30, 123.59) and empathy ability (63.86, 72.45) of juvenile offenders were significantly different from those of ordinary minors, but the difference of dialectical thinking ability was not statistically significant; (2) Except for the influence of mother's education level and family income on dialectical thinking ability, the other variables had no statistical significance on the three kinds of ability. Therefore, it was suggested that the correction plan and means for juvenile offenders should focus on the improvement of self-control ability and empathy ability.

Characteristics associated with criminal responsibility assessment outcomes among women in Central Canada.

The number of women involved with forensic mental health systems internationally is rising, however, limited research has explored the characteristics of those assessed for criminal responsibility. We investigated the demographic, psychiatric, and criminological characteristics of women recommended as eligible or ineligible for the defence of Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) on account of mental disorder following a criminal responsibility assessment in Central Canada. Data were collected through retrospective chart reviews of court-ordered criminal responsibility assessments for 109 women referred for evaluations between 2003 and 2019. Accused were an average age of 34.55 years, predominately identified as Indigenous (37.7%) or Caucasian (20.8%), and had often been charged with assault (47.7%). Women identified in the reports as NCR-eligible were significantly more likely to be employed, experience delusions during the index offence, and have expert reports linking their mental health symptoms to NCR legal criteria. They were also significantly less likely to have a personality disorder, substance-related diagnosis, or have used substances during the index offence. Delusions during the index offence significantly predicted assessment recommendations when controlling for age at assessment order, current substance-related diagnosis, and whether the expert report linked mental health symptoms to NCR legal criteria. Findings indicate the key factors considered by forensic mental health professionals when conducting criminal responsibility assessments with women. Meaningful differences exist between women identified as NCR-eligible and ineligible, with findings illustrating who may be more likely to receive services within the Canadian forensic mental health system.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics, Gender Perceptions, and Rape-Related Beliefs of People Assessed for Criminal Liability for Rape Against Children and Adults. / Çocuga ve Eriskine Yönelik Tecavüz Suçu Nedeniyle Ceza Sorumlulugu Degerlendirilen Kisilerin Klinik Özelliklerinin, Toplumsal Cinsiyet Algilarinin ve Tecavüze Iliskin Inançlarinin Karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the criminal, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, paraphilic behaviors, sexual attitudes, gender perceptions, and rape-related beliefs of people assessed for criminal liability for rape against adults and children. METHOD: The study compared 40 people investigated for criminal liability for rape against an adult (RAA) with 40 individuals investigated for criminal liability for crime of rape against a child (RAC), and 43 age, sex and education matched individuals without any sexual crime history using the Structured Clinical Interview form for DSM-5 disorders, Hendrick Brief Sexual Attitude Scale, Gender Perception Scale, Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. RESULTS: All participants were male. There was no difference between the groups in terms of lifelong or existing psychiatric diseases. All participants had full criminal responsibility during the crime. No participant in any group was diagnosed with a paraphilic disorder. It was determined that people in both RAC and RAA groups tended to use sexuality as a tool, paid less attention to birth control methods, had a far less egalitarian perception of gender, and their myths about rape were significantly higher compared to the control group. The control group was much more impulsive than the sex offenders. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the act of sexual assault should not be explained only by impulsivity or psychiatric disorders, and that gender perception and sexual myths may also be influential. The fact that all individuals had full criminal responsibility emphasizes the need for more research on the social and cultural origins of sexual violence.

Criminological and Psychiatric Profiles of Immigrant and Refugee Offenders: A Retrospective Analysis of Cases in a Forensic Setting.

This study aimed to scrutinize the characteristics of immigrant and refugee offenders within our institution, focusing on factors such as immigrant status, country of birth, duration of residence in Turkey, as well as psychiatric, socio-demographic, and criminal profiles. The data were obtained through a retrospective examination of case records referred to the Observation Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine for the assessment of criminal responsibility between 2017 and 2022. The study categorized the cases into two groups: refugees and immigrants, comprising 35 and 22 offenders, respectively. Significant differences in educational levels were identified between immigrants and refugees within our study group (p < .001). Notably, drug use disorders were more prevalent among refugees, whereas alcohol use disorders were more common among immigrants, with statistical significance (p < .005). During forensic psychiatric assessments, 57.1% of refugees and 54.5% of immigrants required interpretation services. The most prevalent offense in the refugee group was homicide (37.1%), followed by child sexual abuse (28.6%). In contrast, homicide (31.8%) and theft and extortion (22.7%) were the most common offenses for the immigrant group. Six cases (10.5%) were judged to have reduced or no criminal liability. Among the cases, 52.6% had a history of prior outpatient psychiatric referrals, with the most frequent diagnosis being atypical psychosis at 10.5%. The findings underscore the necessity for additional research and targeted interventions to address the mental health and criminological complexities confronted by this vulnerable population.

Sleep disorders and criminal behavior.

Behaviors that would otherwise be considered criminal acts, but occur in the context of a sleep disorder, pose challenges to the traditional application of legal principles of criminal responsibility. Determining the degree to which consciousness is present during such behaviors becomes a necessary step in assigning criminal culpability. Historically, legal defense theories of unconsciousness, automatism, and insanity have been raised to negate culpability for parasomnia related behaviors. Accordingly, proper assessment of sleep disorders in the context of criminal charges becomes critical in assisting the functions of the justice system. This article reviews principles related to the legal tradition, expert assessment, and elements of expert testimony related to criminal behaviors and sleep disorders.

Homicide perpetrators with psychotic illness found not criminally responsible in Turkiye and Russia: An international comparison.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to conduct a comparative analysis of homicide cases and their perpetrators with psychotic illnesses in samples from Turkiye and Russia to elucidate contextual similarities and differences, and providing novel perspectives to enhance international research in this field. METHOD: This cross-national retrospective study, conducted at forensic psychiatric centers in Istanbul, Turkiye, and Chuvashia, Russia, involved individuals with psychotic illnesses (ICD-10 F20-F29) who were deemed criminally non-responsible for index homicide offenses between December 2012 and December 2022. The sample included 92 Turkish patients and 29 Russian patients who were compared for background, clinical characteristics, and each homicidal act. RESULTS: Binary analyses revealed that Russian subjects were more educated, had more lifetime suicide attempts, longer illness duration, had acquaintances as victims more frequently, higher rates of blunt traumatic homicides, higher rates of intoxication with alcohol or substances, and lower rates of experiencing delusions at the time of the index homicide compared to their Turkish counterparts. Multivariate analyses indicated that more years of education, a greater frequency of lifetime suicide attempts, higher prevalence of intoxication and a lower rate of delusions at the time of the homicide were associated with belonging to the Russian group. CONCLUSION: Despite several similarities, the remarkable differences between the two samples underscore the importance of international research in enhancing our understanding of mental health, homicidal offense and offender characteristics in the sociocultural context.

Forensic psychiatric and criminal dimensions of juvenile homicide/attempted homicide cases in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze a sample (n = 65) of juvenile homicide/attempted homicide cases in terms of psychiatric, demographic, criminal characteristics, IQ scores, and Rorschach test (where available) characteristics and decisions on criminal responsibility. METHOD: Data were collected through a retrospective chart review of cases between the ages of 12 and 18 at the time of the offense, who were referred to the Observation Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine (Adli Tip Kurumu Baskanligi, Gözlem Ihtisas Dairesi) for determination of criminal responsibility between 2014 and 2019 and who were assessed under inpatient status by law. RESULTS: There were 65 juvenile homicide/attempted homicide offenders (7 female, 58 male). Reduced or no criminal liability was found in seven cases (10.7 %). Recent and past trauma was found in 21.5 % and 16.9 % of our cases respectively. The percentage of alcohol or illicit drug use disorder was 35.4 %. Non-suicidal self-injury was found in 38.5 % of our cases, and 6.4 % of these had a concurrent suicide attempt. Most of our cases (55.4 %) were neither in employment nor in education at the time of the offense. CONCLUSION: The juvenile homicide/attempted homicide offenders were a heterogeneous group. Rates of serious mental illness were low. School and working functionality were low. Antisocial personality traits, alcohol/substance use disorders, past and recent trauma, emotional regulation problems, and poor school and work functioning appear to be important in the development of this serious offending.

A redução da idade de responsabilidade criminal na perspectiva de adolescentes / Lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility from the perspective of adolescents / La reducción de la edad de responsabilidad penal desde la perspectiva de adolescentes

A proposta de emenda à Constituição Federal (PEC) 171/1993 prevê a redução da maioridade penal no Brasil de 18 para 16 anos. Essa proposta foi votada pela Câmara dos Deputados e está, atualmente, no Senado Federal, contando com intenso apoio do atual presidente. Embora haja evidências de que a idade não se relaciona a indicadores de violência, a opinião pública se manifesta favorável à medida. Diante disso, considera-se primordial escutar a fala dos próprios adolescentes sobre essa questão. Este trabalho objetivou investigar a perspectiva de adolescentes sobre a redução da maioridade penal. Participaram 25 adolescentes provenientes de uma escola pública e cinco que estavam em cumprimento de medida socioeducativa, todos na faixa etária entre 12 e 17 anos. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de rodas de conversa com o primeiro grupo e entrevistas com o segundo. Foram escritos relatos em ambos os momentos da coleta. Para a análise, esses relatos foram lidos e discutidos em grupo pelos pesquisadores. Os resultados apontam alguns analisadores que emergiram a partir das rodas e entrevistas: adolescência, raiva, medo, questão social, lei e violência. Observou-se que os participantes foram além de um posicionamento opinativo, produzindo importantes elaborações sobre o tema que foram disparadores capazes de abordar problemáticas próprias da adolescência e da realidade social. Considera-se que é tarefa ímpar da psicologia trazer à luz opiniões como as dos adolescentes objeto desta pesquisa.(AU)

The proposed amendment to the Federal Constitution (PEC 171/1993) of Brazil provides for the lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16 years. This proposal was voted by the House of Representatives and is currently in the Federal Senate, being strongly supported by the elected President. Despite evidence showing that age is unrelated to indicators of violence, public opinion supports the measure, indicating the urge for listening to the opinion of adolescents on this subject. This study aimed to investigate the perspective of adolescents regarding the lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility in Brazil. The study sample consisted of 25 adolescents from a public school and five who fulfilled socioeducational measures, all aged from 12 to 17 years. Data on the first group were collected by means of conversation circles, and on the second group by interviews. A written record was kept for both moments of data collection, which was later read and discussed among the researchers involved in the study. The results indicate some common themes emerging from circles and interviews, namely: adolescence, anger, fear, social issues, law, and violence. When sharing their perspectives on the subject, participants went beyond an opinionated position, producing important elaborations. This also triggered the possibility of addressing specific problems of adolescence and social reality. In this scenario, Psychology plays a key role in bringing opinions to light, such as those of adolescents participating in this study - who tend to stay on the sidelines.(AU)

La propuesta de enmienda a la Constitución Federal (PEC 171/1993) prevé la reducción de la edad mínima de responsabilidad penal en Brasil de 18 para 16 años. Esta propuesta fue votada por la Cámara de Diputados y está actualmente en el Senado Federal, contando con intenso apoyo del actual Presidente. Aunque hay evidencias de que la edad no se relaciona con los indicadores de violencia, la opinión pública se manifiesta favorable a la medida. Por lo tanto, se considera esencial escuchar el discurso de los adolescentes sobre este tema. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la perspectiva de algunos adolescentes sobre la reducción de la edad de responsabilidad penal. Participaron 25 adolescentes provenientes de una escuela pública y cinco que estaban en cumplimiento de medida socioeducativa, todos en el grupo de edad de entre 12 y 17 años. La recopilación de datos se realizó por medio de círculos de conversación con el primer grupo y de entrevistas con el segundo. Los informes fueron escritos en ambas ocasiones. Para el análisis, los investigadores leyeron y discutieron estos informes en grupos. Los resultados muestran algunos analizadores que surgieron de los círculos y las entrevistas: adolescencia, ira, miedo, problemas sociales, derecho y violencia. Se observó que los participantes fueron más allá de una posición de opinión, produciendo elaboraciones importantes sobre el tema; esto también desencadenó la posibilidad de abordar problemas específicos de la adolescencia y la realidad social. Se considera que es una tarea única de la psicología sacar a la luz opiniones, como las de estos adolescentes, que tienden a permanecer al margen.(AU)

A proposta da redução da maioridade penal na perspectiva das equipes técnicas das medidas socioeducativas de internação / The proposal of the reduction of criminal responsibility age under the perspective of technical teams of socio-educational measures of internment

A proposta de redução da maioridade penal tem gerado algumas controvérsias. Objetivou-se explorar como os profissionais das equipes técnicas de internação de instituições localizadas no interior do estado de São Paulo compreendem a referida proposta, bem como a efetividade das estratégias já previstas no estatuto. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, exploratório e analítico de referencial qualitativo. Utilizando-se um roteiro de entrevista, os dados foram analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo. A amostra foi composta por oito participantes mulheres com formação em Psicologia ou Serviço Social, que trabalham no atendimento a adolescentes em cumprimento de medida socioeducativa de internação. Todas se posicionaram contra a proposta, pois a consideram uma medida simplista a um problema complexo, traduzida em resposta a um apelo por justiça por parte da sociedade, influenciada por questões midiáticas e políticas que não correspondem aos dados da realidade. Avaliam-na como uma proposta excludente e ponderam que mudanças efetivas devam se pautar na lógica restaurativa, baseada nos preceitos do estatuto e no investimento em políticas públicas.

The proposal of the reduction of criminal responsibility age has generated some controversies. This study aimed to explore how the technical staff from the socio-educational measures of interment, located in the interior of São Paulo State, understands the proposal, as well as the effectiveness of the strategies already provided by the statute. A descriptive, exploratory and analytical study of qualitative reference was carried out. Using an interview script, data were analyzed through the technique of content analysis. The sample consisted of eight female participants with background in Psychology or Social Service who work in the attendance of adolescents in compliance of socio-educational measures of interment. All of them were against the proposal, as they consider it to be an oversimplified measure to a complex problem, reflexing a response to an appeal for justice on the part of society, influenced by media and political issues that do not correspond to reality data. They evaluate it as an excluding proposal and consider that effective change should be guided by the restorative justice, based on the precepts of the statute and investment in public policies.

Review of Scientific Literature on the Age of Criminal Majority in Brazil / Revisão de Literatura Científica sobre Maioridade Penal no Brasil / Revisión de Literatura Científica sobre Mayoría Penal en el Brasil

Abstract This paper is a review of literature that aimed to describe the main results of scientific studies on the age of criminal majority in Brazil published in three electronic databases: SciELO, LILACS and the Regional Portal of the VHL. From the 57 articles initially found, after screening for the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 were effectively analyzed. These were submitted to thematic content analysis. It was identified that the premises of the irregular situation doctrine, although overcome in terms of legislation, remain rooted in institutionalized practices, discourses and representations about adolescents in conflict with the law. However, in the evolution of laws in the world, the tendency seems to be to maintain the age of criminal majority, rather than reduce it. It was concluded that the evidence found, although limited to the criteria of this study, refuted the hypothesis that simply reducing the legal age would be effective in confronting juvenile criminality in the country.

Resumo Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura que almejou descrever os principais resultados de pesquisas científicas sobre maioridade penal no Brasil publicadas em três bases eletrônicas de dados: SciELO, LILACS e Portal Regional da BVS. Dos 57 artigos encontrados, após o crivo dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, analisaram-se efetivamente 11. Estes artigos foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática. Os resultados indicaram que as premissas da doutrina de situação irregular, embora superadas em termos de legislação, permanecem enraizadas nas práticas institucionalizadas, nos discursos e nas representações sobre os adolescentes em conflito com a lei. Contudo, na evolução das leis no mundo, a tendência aparenta ser de manter a idade de imputabilidade penal, e não o oposto. Conclui-se que as evidências encontradas, embora limitadas aos critérios do estudo, refutaram a hipótese de que simplesmente reduzir a maioridade penal seria eficaz para enfrentar a criminalidade juvenil no país.

Resumen Se trata de una revisión de la literatura que pretendió describir los principales resultados de investigaciones científicas sobre la mayoría penal en el Brasil, publicadas en tres bases de datos electrónicas: SciELO, LILACS y Portal Regional de la BVS. De los 57 artículos encontrados inicialmente, después del filtro de criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se analizaron efectivamente 11. Estos artículos fueron sometidos al análisis de contenido temático. Los resultados indicaron que las premisas de la doctrina de situación irregular, aunque están superadas en términos de legislación, continúan arraigadas en las prácticas institucionalizadas, en los discursos y en las representaciones sobre los adolescentes en conflicto con la ley. Sin embargo, en la evolución de las leyes en el mundo, la tendencia aparenta ser de mantener la edad de imputabilidad penal, y no lo opuesto. Llegamos a la conclusión de que la evidencia encontrada, aunque limitada a los criterios de este estudio, refutó la hipótesis de que simplemente reducir la mayoría penal sería eficaz para hacer frente a la criminalidad juvenil en el país.

Adolescências e judicialização da conduta juvenil / Adolescences and court-based intervention on juvenile conduct / Adolescencias y judicialización de la desviación juvenil

A recente retomada da proposição do rebaixamento da idade penal no parlamento brasileiro, em meio a um cenário de crise política e avanço de ideologias conservadoras, se articula com outros fatores, tais como a realização de megaeventos esportivos no Brasil – Copa do Mundo (2014) e Olimpíadas (2016), de forma a interferir no próprio caráter das leis. Assim mesmo, outro evento que fez aquecer o debate sobre a imputabilidade penal tanto no meio acadêmico, quanto no âmbito da sociedade foi a admissibilidade da Proposta de Emenda Constitucional (PEC 171/93), em abril de 2015. É interesse desse estudo discutir as formulações legais que afirmam ou restringem direitos sociais dos adolescentes na sociedade capitalista contemporânea. Por outro lado, interessa também analisar as políticas públicas propostas para a aplicação dessas mesmas leis, ambas entranhadas por concepções de adolescência construídas historicamente, no sentido de pensar os efeitos judicializantes produzidos com a execução das leis. Neste percurso, apresenta as áreas em análise neste texto, quais sejam: o contexto histórico e os marcos legais para crianças e adolescentes no Brasil; os significados culturais e os valores sociais relacionados à adolescência em uma perspectiva semióticocultural, considerando a interdependência entre os movimentos de reforma dos marcos legais e fatores históricos, culturais e econômicos; e, por fim, analisa-se como a criminalização juvenil e a judicialização das relações humanas na contemporaneidade conferem primazia às ações coercitivas e correcionais, em detrimento das ações educacionais.

Brazilian Parliament has just revisited the bill to reducing the age of criminal responsibility, right in the middle of a political crisis, for the advancement of conservative ideologies. There is a larger picture, including the mega sporting events in Brazil – the World Cup (2014) and the Olympics (2016), where the very character of the law is at stake. As the Proposal for Amendment to the Constitution (PEC 171/93) was admitted in April 2015, it heated the debate on criminal responsibility both in academia and in society at large. This study is interested not only in the legal formulation affirming or restricting social rights of adolescents in contemporary capitalist society, but also in proposals of public policy for legal enforcement. Both initiatives are at odds with the historically built conceptions of adolescence. As a result, the judicial effects produced by the enforcement of legislation becomes under scrutiny. Along the way, the study covers the following areas: historical context and legal framework for children and adolescents in Brazil; cultural meanings and social values related to adolescence in a semiotic-cultural perspective, considering the interdependence among legal reform movements and historical, cultural and economic factors; and finally, there is a take on how juvenile criminalization and the judicialization of human relations in the contemporary world give primacy to coercive and corrective actions, tothe detriment of educational ones.

La reanudación de la propuesta de reducción de la edad penal en el parlamento brasileño, en medio de una crisis política y el avance de ideologías conservadoras, se articula con otros factores, tales como la realización de mega eventos deportivos en Brasil -el Mundial de Fútbol (2014) y los Juegos Olímpicos (2016)- con reflejos en el propio carácter de las leyes. La admisibilidad de la Propuesta de Enmienda Constitucional (PEC 171/93), en abril de 2015, ha intensificado el debate sobre la imputabilidad penal tanto en el medio académico, como en el ámbito de la sociedad. Es interés de este estudio discutir acerca de las formulaciones legales que afirman o restringen derechos sociales de los adolescentes en la sociedad capitalista contemporánea. De otra parte, interesa también analizar las políticas públicas propuestas para aplicación de esas mismas leyes, ambas entrañadas por concepciones de adolescencia construidas históricamente, en el sentido de pensar los efectos de judicialización producidos con la ejecución de las legislaciones. En este sentido, presenta las áreas en análisis en este texto, cuáles son: el contexto histórico y los marcos legales para niños y adolescentes en Brasil; los significados culturales y los valores sociales relacionados con la adolescencia en una perspectiva semiótica y cultural, considerando la interdependencia entre los movimientos de reforma de los marcos legales y factores históricos, culturales y económicos; y, por fin, se analiza cómo la criminalización juvenil y la judicialización de las relaciones humanas en la contemporaneidad hacen predominar las acciones coercitivas y correccionales, frente a las acciones educativas.

Responsabilidad Penal Adolescente en Chile: Propuestas para implementar la intervención psicosocial en Secciones Juveniles / Teenagers' Personal liability in Chile: proposals for conducting psychosocial intervention in Juvenile Sections / Responsabilidade penal adolescente no Chile: propostas para implementar a intervenção psicossocial em Secções Juvenis

Resumen El propósito del estudio que se expone es analizar las características del diseño y gestión de proyectos de intervención psicosocial implementados por entidades ejecutoras en las secciones juveniles de centros penitenciarios en el sur de Chile, proponiendo, a partir de la experiencia de los equipos que participan en estos programas, mecanismos para mejorar la intervención realizada con jóvenes infractores de ley. Participaron en el estudio 32 profesionales de cuatro equipos. Se emplearon, como técnicas de producción de datos, la entrevista grupal y la revisión documental (fichas de registro de intervenciones, proyectos, planificaciones, entre otros). Los resultados muestran la utilización de modelos, teorías y enfoques que son pertinentes según las directrices de gendarmería y la evidencia nacional e internacional. Sin embargo, se reconocen condiciones de operación de los proyectos que tensionan y limitan el alcance del trabajo desarrollado con los jóvenes, entre estas limitaciones se destaca la falta de continuidad del trabajo dado el financiamiento sujeto a licitaciones que ocurren anualmente y que impiden la estabilidad laboral de los equipos. Las personas entrevistadas, plantean un conjunto de propuestas para mejorar la intervención con los jóvenes entre ellas se cuenta: la formación especializada del equipo psicosocial interventor incluyendo al personal de gendarmería que tiene contacto permanente con los jóvenes; Mejorar el trabajo directo con los jóvenes incorporando el enfoque psicoeducativo de origen canadiense para estructurar coherentemente intervenciones en el cotidiano de las secciones juveniles; Incorporar un enfoque de intervención diferenciada considerando las trayectorias delictivas de los jóvenes; y finalmente se subraya la necesidad de profundizar el componente de inclusión sociocomunitaria en las intervenciones.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the design and management characteristics of psychosocial intervention projects which are conducted by executing entities in juvenile sections of prisons in the Southern Chile, stating mechanisms to improve the intervention developed with young lawbreakers starting from the experience of the programs participating teams. 32 professionals of four teams took part in this study. Data production, group interviews and documents review techniques were implemented (intervention record files, projects, planning, among others). The results show models, theories and approaches utilization that are relevant according to gendarmerie directions and national and international evidence. However, projects operation conditions are recognized, which tense and limit the work scope developed with young people. The lack of continuity in the work is highlighted as one of these limitations, since the financing conditioned on tenders that happen yearly and that obstruct the teams' job stability. The interviewees state a set of proposals for improving interventions with young people; among those interventions are: a specialized training of the intervener psychosocial team, including the gendarmerie staff which are in permanent touch with young people; to improve the direct work with young people by incorporating the Canadian original psychological-educational approach to structure in a coherent way interventions of the juvenile sections on daily basis, incorporating a differentiated intervention focus, considering young people crime trajectories, and finally, it underlines the necessity of deepening the social-communitary inclusion component in the interventions.

Resumo O propósito do estudo que se expõe é analisar as características do desenho e da gestão de projetos de intervenção psicossocial implementados por entidades executoras nas secções juvenis de centros penitenciários no sul do Chile, propondo, a partir da experiência das equipes que participam nesses programas, mecanismos para melhorar a intervenção feita com jovens infratores da lei. No estudo participaram 32 profissionais de quatro equipes. Se utilizaram, como técnicas de geração de dados, a entrevista grupal e a revisão documental (fichas de registro de intervenções, projetos, planejamentos, entre outros). Os resultados mostram a utilização de modelos, teorias e abordagens que são pertinentes, segundo as diretrizes de gendarmaria e a evidencia nacional e internacional. Não obstante, se reconhecem condições de operação dos projetos que tensionam e limitam o alcance do trabalho desenvolvido com os jovens, dentre dessas limitantes se destaca a falta de continuidade do trabalho, dado o financiamento sujeito a licitações que ocorrem anualmente e que impedem a estabilidade laboral das equipes. As pessoas entrevistadas levantam um conjunto de propostas para melhorar a intervenção com os jovens; dentre dessas contam-se: a formação especializada da equipe psicossocial interventora, incluindo o pessoal da gendarmaria que tem contato permanente com os jovens, melhorar o trabalho direto com os jovens, incorporando a abordagem psicoeducativa de origem canadense para estruturar de forma coerente intervenções no cotidiano das secções juvenis; incorporar a abordagem de intervenção diferenciada, considerando as trajetórias delitivas dos jovens, e finalmente, se sublinha a necessidade de aprofundar no componente de inclusão sociocomunitária nas intervenções.

Propostas de redução da idade penal no Brasil e o Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente / Proposals to reduce the age of criminal responsibility in Brazil and the Child and Adolescent Statute / Propuestas de reducción de la edad penal en Brasil y el Estatuto del Niño y del Adolescente

Neste artigo discutimos como as propostas de redução da idade penal no Brasil tensionam o Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. A partir da genealogia e da arqueologia propostas por Michel Foucault analisamos as Propostas de Emenda Constitucional apresentadas pela Câmara de Deputados entre os anos de 1993 e 2013. Nossa análise indica que as propostas criticam o critério cronológico adotado pelo Estatuto e propõem sua substituição pelo que chamam de critério subjetivo-psicológico. Postos em oposição aos direitos sociais, os direitos civis são tomados como balizadores de uma responsabilização dos sujeitos jovens, tornando-os mais penalizáveis. Por fim, as propostas fazem uma série de críticas à ineficácia do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. Essas críticas não são produzidas no sentido de ampliar a efetivação das atuais políticas, mas de instrumentar o recrudescimento punitivo a partir da desqualificação do Estatuto.

This paper discusses how the proposals to reduce the age of criminal responsibility in Brazil strain the Statute of Children and Adolescents. Applying the archaeological and genealogical methods of Michel Foucault we analyze the constitutional amendment proposals presented by the country's Chamber of Deputies between 1993 and 2013. Our analysis points out that the proposals criticize the chronological criteria adopted by the Statute and propose replacing it with the so-called subjective-psychological criteria. Placed in opposition to social rights, civil rights are used as a reference to hold young subjects responsible, thereby making them more penalizable. Finally, the proposals critique the ineffectiveness of the Statute of Children and Adolescents. These critiques are not the result of attempts to expand the efficacy of current policies, but rather to implement a punitive upsurge starting with the disqualification of the Statute.

En este artículo discutimos cómo las propuestas de reducción de la edad penal en Brasil tensionan el Estatuto del Niño y del Adolescente. A partir de la arqueología y de la genealogía propuestas por Michel Foucault analizamos las Propuestas de Enmienda a la Constitución presentadas por la Cámara de Diputados entre los años 1993 y 2013. Nuestro análisis indica que las propuestas critican el criterio cronológico adoptado por el Estatuto y proponen su sustitución por lo que califican de criterio subjetivo/psicológico. Puestos en oposición a los derechos sociales, los derechos civiles son utilizados como referenciales de una responsabilización de los sujetos jóvenes, volviéndolos más penalizables. Finalmente, las propuestas hacen críticas a la ineficacia del Estatuto del Niño y del Adolescente. Estas críticas no son producidas en el sentido de ampliar la efectuación de las actuales políticas, pero de instrumentar el recrudecimiento punitivo a partir de la descalificación del Estatuto.

Redução da idade penal, tecnologias de informação e maturidade: questões à psicologia / On the relations between information, maturity, and reduction of the age of criminal responsibility in Brazil / Sobre las relaciones entre información, madurez y reducción de la edad penal en Brasil

Nesse artigo, discutimos como as propostas de redução da idade penal no Brasil relacionam a expansão das tecnologias de informação e dos meios de comunicação de massa a uma mudança de maturidade dos jovens. A partir da arqueologia proposta por Michel Foucault, analisamos as Propostas de Emenda Constitucional apresentadas pela Câmara de Deputados entre os anos de 1993 e 2013. Os discursos produzidos por esses materiais atrelam meios de comunicação e tecnologias de informação com um amadurecimento psíquico precoce dos jovens e um maior grau de discernimento. Assim, propõem um deslocamento do critério cronológico de imputabilidade para a avaliação técnica da maturidade, convocando especialistas a subsidiarem decisões judiciais. Concluímos que, a partir dos efeitos de processos sociais, como o acesso à informação, os documentos propõem mais individualização das formas de punição sobre os jovens, implicando em embates políticos e éticos sobre a atuação da Psicologia nesse contexto.

This paper discusses how the proposals to reduce the age of criminal responsibility in Brazil link the expansion of information technologies and the mass media to a change in maturity of young people. Applying the archaeological method of Michel Foucault we analyze the constitutional amendment proposals presented by the country's Chamber of Deputies between 1993 and 2013. The discourses produced by these materials associate the media and information technologies with an early psychic maturation of young people and a greater degree of judgment. Thus, they propose a shift of chronological criteria for accountability in the technical evaluation of maturity, summoning experts to support judgments. We arrive at the conclusion that from the effects of social processes, such as access to information, the documents propose more individualization of forms of punishment on young people, implying political and ethical conflicts about the role of psychology in this context.

En este artículo discutimos cómo las propuestas de reducción de la edad penal en Brasil relacionan la expansión de las tecnologías de la información y de los medios de comunicación con un cambio de madurez de los jóvenes. A partir de la arqueología propuesta por Michel Foucault analizamos las Propuestas de Enmienda a la Constitución presentadas por la Cámara de Diputados entre los años 1993 y 2013. Los discursos producidos por estos materiales vinculan medios de comunicación y tecnologías de la información a una maduración psíquica precoz de los jóvenes y un mayor grado de discernimiento. Por lo tanto, proponen un desplazamiento del criterio cronológico de imputabilidad para la evaluación técnica de la madurez, convocando a expertos para subsidiar juicios. Llegamos a la conclusión de que a partir de los efectos de los procesos sociales, como el acceso a la información, los documentos proponen más individualización de las formas de castigo hacia los jóvenes, implicando embates políticos y éticos sobre la actuación de la Psicología en este contexto.

Direito e Dever Constitucional Fundamental à Saúde e Responsabilidade Financeira e Criminal pelos Dinheiros Públicos / Fundamental Constitutional Right and Duty to Health and Financial and Criminal Accountability for Public Funds / Derecho y Deber Constitucional Fundamental de la Salud y Responsabilidad Financiera y Penal por los Fondos Públicos

A concretização do Direito Constitucional Fundamental Social à Saúde é fundamental. É necessário, adequado e proporcional, respeitar os princípios constitucionais da transparência e da responsividade às exigências da população, da prestação de contas e própria responsabilidade. Tudo isto também abarca o desenvolvimento de princípios constitucionais que sejam de anticorrupção. Também no direito constitucional à protecção da saúde. A responsabilidade financeira e criminal pode constituir um incentivo à melhoria da gestão dos dinheiros públicos e a uma melhor efectivação dos princípios constitucionais fundamentais. Nomeadamente no tema do direito à saúde. As áreas constitucional, administrativa, penal, de gestão pública e de ciência de administração e boa governança também no sector da saúde, devem ser articuladas numa só estratégia. Tanto em Portugal como no Brasil.

The implementation of Fundamental Constitutional Health and Social Rights is necessary, appropriate and proportionate, following the demands of the population. Accountability and self-responsibility play a very important role. This requires the development of constitutional principles that protect public funds against corruption and offer a constitutional right to health protection. Financial and criminal liability might provide an incentive to improve the management of public funds and reinforce fundamental constitutional principles, particularly regarding the right to health. Constitutional, administrative and criminal issues, as well as public management and administration and the science of good governance, should be articulated in a single strategy also in the health sector. In Portugal and Brazil also.

: La aplicación de la Ley constitucional fundamental de la Salud Social es clave. Es necesaria, adecuada y proporcionada conforme a los principios constitucionales de transparencia y capacidad de respuesta a las necesidades de la población, la responsabilidad y la propia responsabilidad. Todo esto también incluye el desarrollo de los principios constitucionales que son anti-corrupción. También en el derecho constitucional a la protección de la salud. La responsabilidad financiera y criminal puede ser un incentivo para mejorar la gestión de los fondos públicos y mejorar la aplicación de los principios constitucionales fundamentales. En particular, la cuestión del derecho a la salud. Las áreas penales, la administración pública administrativa constitucional y ciencia de la gestión y el buen gobierno también en el sector de la salud, deben articularse en una sola estrategia. Tanto en Portugal y Brasil. Palabras-llave: derechos

“Tá com dó? Leva pra casa!” Análise dos discursos favoráveis à redução da maioridade penal em rede social / “Do you Feel Sorry for Him? Then Take him into Your Home!” Analysis of Speeches in Favor of Reducing the Legal Age for Criminal Responsibility in a Social Network / “¿Sientes Pena por Él? ¡Pues Llévatelo para tu Casa!” Análisis de Discursos Favorables a la Reducción de la Mayoría de Edad Penal en una Red Social

Resumo Pretende este artigo analisar as proposições favoráveis à redução da maioridade penal expressas em publicações de uma página virtual da rede social Facebook. Constata-se que a volúpia punitiva se expressa de maneira seletiva e hierárquica sobre determinados adolescentes, de modo que o recrudescimento da punição é concebido como estratégia de resolução a problemas sociais supostamente gerados por uma sociedade protetiva e permissiva. O estudo é orientado pelo método de análise hermenêutico-dialético que visa compreender e, ao mesmo tempo, confrontar a problemática frente às suas contradições e conflitos. A partir do diálogo entre campos de saber interdisciplinares, problematiza-se a implicação destes pressupostos acerca da redução da maioridade penal no que tange à constituição do sujeito autor de ato infracional e dos sujeitos produtores destes discursos, assim como o impacto destas afirmativas em sociedades marcadas por relações excludentes....(AU)

Abstract This article aims to analyze the proposals in favor of reducing the legal age for criminal responsibility, expressed in publications of a virtual page of Facebook. It appears that the punitive voluptuousness is selectively and hierarchically expressed on certain teenagers, as the resurgence of punishment is designed as a solving strategy to social problems supposedly generated by a protective and permissive society. The study is guided by the hermeneutic-dialectic method which seeks to understand and, at the same time, confront this problematic in terms of its contradictions and conflicts. From a dialogue between interdisciplinary fields of knowledge, the implication of these assumptions about reducing the legal age for criminal responsibility is discussed, related to the constitution of the subject who commits an offense and of the subjects that produce these speeches, as well as the impact that these speeches have on societies marked by social exclusion....(AU)

Resumo Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las propuestas a favor de la reducción de la mayoría de edad penal expresadas en publicaciones de una página virtual de la red social Facebook. Se constata que la voluptuosidad punitiva se expresa selectivamente y jerárquicamente sobre ciertos adolescentes, viéndose el recrudecimiento del castigo como una estrategia de resolución de problemas sociales supuestamente generados por una sociedad protectora y permisiva. El estudio se guía por el método hermenéutico-dialéctico que busca comprender y, al mismo tiempo, confrontar la problemática frente a sus contradicciones y conflictos. A partir del diálogo entre campos del conocimiento interdisciplinares, se analiza la implicación de estos presupuestos acerca de la reducción de la mayoría de edad penal, en relación con la constitución del sujeto que comete una infracción y con los sujetos que producen estos discursos, así como el impacto de estas declaraciones en sociedades marcadas por relaciones excluyentes....(AU)

Fratricidio y esquizofrenia / Fratricide and Schizophrenia

Introducción: Cuando un hermano asesina a otro, hablamos de fratricidio, o sea, una forma de homicidio raramente vista en la práctica psiquiátrica. Dado que aún es un tema poco estudiado, la literatura científica no lo ha comprendido bien. Objetivo: Relatar el caso de un individuo con esquizofrenia paranoide que, habiendo asesinado a su hermano, fue evaluado en peritaje criminalístico para determinar su responsabilidad penal. Métodos: Se realizó una entrevista psiquiátrica, y el diagnóstico psiquiátrico se estableció con base en la entrevista y la observación de los registros periciales y hospitalarios, con los criterios diagnósticos del DSM-IV-TR. También se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre el tema. Resultados: Se consideró inimputable al paciente examinado en virtud de que padecía una enfermedad mental que afectaba por entero a su capacidad de comprensión y determinación con respecto al delito cometido. Conclusiones: El estudio de casos como este puede ilustrar e identificar factores motivadores relacionados con el comportamiento homicida de sujetos con trastornos mentales graves.

Abstract Background: Fratricide is the killing of one's own bother. It's a type of homicide rarely seen on psychiatric practice. This is still a theme which is poorly studied, and not well understood by the scientific literature. Objective: To report a case of a men, with paranoid schizophrenia that murdered his own bother and had a psychiatric forensic evaluation to establish his penal responsibility. Methods: A psychiatric interview was carried out and the psychiatric diagnosis was established based on the interview and analysis of forensic and medical records, using the DSM-IV-TR criteria. Literature review was held about the theme. Results: The examinee was considered not guilty by reason of insanity, due to the presence of a mental disorder that affected her entire understanding and volition of the practiced act. Conclusions: The study of such cases may illustrate and identify motivating factors related to homicidal behavior in individuals with severe mental disorders.

Inimputabilidad por trastornos mentales en el sistema legal / Criminal responsibility by mental disorders in the legal system

Resumen:El código penal costarricense admite la posibilidad de eximir de responsabilidad penal a los individuos que presentan algún trastorno mental en el momento del acto delictivo. La psiquiatría forense tiene como uno de usus fines determinar el grado de imputabilidad de todo sujeto a quien se le presuma afectado de enfermedad psíquica. La intervención es objetiva y esto se consigue a través de la entrevista y el examen del estado mental del sujeto. Durante el interrogatorio se evalúa la conciencia, la lucidez, el raciocinio, el jucio y la impulsividad. Se han determinado enfermedades que se excluyen de responsabilidad penal total o parcial como la esquizofrena, la paranoia en forma de delirio y la epilepsia en sus diferentes variables. Asimismo, se hace referencia al trastorno mental transitorio (TMT) que se da cuando el curso de la alteración implica un estado de recuperación de las facultades mentales superiores y el acusado puede retornar a una condición de normalidad psíquica.

Abstract:Costa Rica's penal code allows the possibility of exempting from criminal responsibility to individuals who have a mental disorder at the time of the criminal act. Forensic psychiatry aims to determine the degree of accountability of every person who is presumed will be affected by mental illness. The intervention is objective and this is achieved through the interview and mental exam. At the examination, the professional has to evaluate consciousness, lucidity, reasoning, judgment and impulsiveness. There are certain diseases that are excluded from total or partial criminal liability as different variables of schizophrenia, paranoia, delirium and epilepsy. In addition, referring to transient mental disorder (TMD), it occurs when the course of the alteration involves a recovery state of the mental faculties and the person can return to a normal mental condition.