Disabling Criminal Justice: The Governance of Autistic Adult Defendants in the English Criminal Justice System

This book explores the governance of autistic defendants and offenders in the UK courts, using the social model of disability to highlight the rights of disabled people in the criminal justice system. It investigates why the status of autistic defendants as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 has been overlooked in criminal justice policy and decision-making, and explores the impact of the criminal justice process on family members who support these defendants.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book delves into the governance of autistic defendants and offenders within the UK courts, employing the social model of disability to analyze the prevailing strategies of governance. It challenges the notion of vulnerability, which the author contends obscures the rights of disabled individuals within the criminal justice system. Through comprehensive research on case studies of autistic adult defendants throughout the court process, the book brings together relevant legal and policy literature, criminological and criminal justice theory, and disability studies to provide valuable insights into the practices that shape the governance of disabled defendants' conduct.

Through interviews with elites and practitioners, textual analysis, and court observation of eight autistic adult defendants throughout their legal journey, the book investigates the reasons behind the neglect of autistic defendants' status as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 in criminal justice policy and criminal court decision-making. It explores the profound impact of the criminal justice process on the family members who support these defendants, highlighting the collateral effects and symbiotic harm that arise.

By examining these issues, the book aims to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable criminal justice system that recognizes and addresses the unique needs of autistic individuals. It provides valuable insights for legal professionals, policymakers, and disability advocates, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by autistic defendants and the importance of tailored governance strategies to ensure their rights and well-being are upheld.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509956944