ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 10

On the Predictability of Violent Behavior: Considerations and Guidelines
Liska, FJ
Court commissioner for Milwaukee County, WI

Palermo, GB
Clinical professor of psychiatry, Medical College of Wisconsin, WI

Forno, GD
Resident in neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, WI

Palermo, MT
Resident in psychiatry, Medical College of Wisconsin, WI

(Received 13 September 1990; accepted 12 March 1991)

Abstract

Following a semantic discussion of dangerousness, and having established its dynamic concept, the authors define the prediction of dangerous behavior as the anticipation of an antisocial act towards others. The present-day dilemma of predicting dangerous behavior is discussed. An extensive review of sociological and psychiatric studies is presented. Further, the authors stress the vital importance of predicting violent behavior in view of statistical data concerning rampant violent crime in the United States. They encourage more cooperation between psychiatric experts and the judicial system in view of the common social problem all are faced with. Better diagnostic procedures and more logically deductive factual expert reports are hoped for. The authors postulate that prediction is strictly connected with the possible prevention of dangerous behavior and the continuation of a civilized, secure society.

Keywords:
psychiatry, mental illness, dangerousness, violent behavior, predictability, security

Paper ID: JFS13164J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13164J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.