Human rights and forensic psychology

Author: Ward, Tony¹

Source: Legal and Criminological Psychology, Volume 13, Number 2, September 2008 , pp. 209-218(10)

Publisher: British Psychological Society

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Abstract:

Objectives

Human rights serve to orientate practitioners to the necessary conditions for a minimally worthwhile life for service users, the prerequisites for a life of dignity and a chance at happiness, and the opportunity to incorporate into their life plans cherished values and goals. In this introduction to the special section paper, I discuss the basic concept of human rights and outline their relevance for clinical practice with offenders.

Method

I explore the core values associated with human rights and suggest that one of their primary functions is to protect the internal and external conditions of individuals' agency and their pursuit of better lives.

Conclusion

I briefly outline the three articles comprising this special section of LCP on human rights that address issues of risk, therapeutic jurisprudence, and the rights of detained persons.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1348/135532508X284301

Affiliations: 1: School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

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