Course Description
It is established in the literature that Black and Latinx individuals are overrepresented in the American criminal justice system at every stage of the process, including during an arrest, conviction, and incarceration. The literature suggests that early entry into the criminal justice system leads to higher likelihood of reoffending and remaining within the system as an adult, as well as higher rates of unemployment, homelessness, and eviction. The mental and physical health impacts of criminal justice system involvement lower the life expectancy of individuals and their family members. Incarcerated persons also have higher rates of mental health diagnoses when compared to non-incarcerated populations. This panel will review the literature on racial disparities within the criminal justice system, discussing both juvenile and adult systems. We also explore the way that legally irrelevant factors such as a defendant’s race and cultural background, may impact forensic evaluations including Competency to Stand Trial (CST) and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) referrals. Furthermore, our forensic psychiatric and judicial systems do not accurately reflect the diverse backgrounds of our community, nor the incarcerated population. Finally, we will discuss barriers to overcoming disparities in relation to reoffending and access to mental health services following release.
Speakers
Camille Tastenhoye, MD
Kathleen Kruse, MD
Reema Dedania, MD
Megan Testa, MD
Kathleen Kruse, MD
Reema Dedania, MD
Megan Testa, MD
Accreditation Statement
The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Learning Objectives
To explore and understand inequities within the criminal justice system, focusing on systemic racism and how it impacts individuals at various stages of the criminal justice continuum.
To explore and understand inequities within the criminal justice system, focusing on systemic racism and how it impacts individuals at various stages of the criminal justice continuum.
Disclosure
All meeting planners, Program and Education Committee Members, in control of content for the meeting have signed disclosures indicating that they have no relevant financial relationships with any ineligible companies.
All presenters (Camille Tastenhoye, MD, Kathleen Kruse, MD, Reema Dedania, MD, and Megan Testa, MD) have also signed disclosures indicating that they have no relevant financial relationships with any ineligible companies.
