Is psychopathy elevated among criminal offenders who are under preventive detention pursuant to Section 66 of the German Penal Code?
In Germany, preventive detention can be imposed if a repeat offender shows a proclivity to commit further significant criminal acts. The courts require expert opinion to provide information about personality traits relevant for this disposition. However, currently, consensus about this topic is lacking. On the basis of a standardized examination, the relevance of Hare's concept of "psychopathy" for expert opinion is discussed in the context of preventive detention.
Habermeyer
Elmar
E
Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zürich. elmar.habermeyer@puk.zh.ch
Passow
Daniel
D
Vohs
Knut
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D057237:Criminals / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires