People with an Intellectual Disability in the Australian Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Intellectual disability (ID) is not accurately identified early enough in the criminal justice system. The extent to which each jurisdiction addresses the needs of persons with ID is inconsistent. Magistrate Court diversion programmes aiming to identify defendants with ID needs vary throughout Australia. This article argues the need for a national approach for the diversion of persons with ID from the criminal justice system. This will be important for persons with and without coexisting mental illness and will affirm international developments protecting the rights of persons with ID (including those in the criminal justice system) to improved and accessible health care.

Key words:

• criminal justice system
• intellectual disability
• mental illness