Ijg* Psychology
Reviews
- Author:
Claud Mullins. Mpthn rp. xvi., 234. 8s. 6d.
result^ ofUHinS Sets out ‘n book the impressions and a?d crimp observations and studies on delinquency come bef’ an^- ‘n Particular upon the offenders who have Althoupvf m as a magistrate.
Ptycholoii f 0t a Psychologist the author has turned to aPPeared ? assistance in dealing with such cases as exPerienc Suita’3’e f?r psychotherapy, and illustrates his ?ase histoS-m matter by the aid of a short series of the value TfeS’ n result ^e remains convinced of Psychothe Psychotherapy when applied by professional c’ear thatra^tS *n. appropriate cases. He makes it referred t w”^st using his own judgment in the cases advice vvh’avPSyc^atr*st ^as confidence in the medical l^at the receives. To some of us it may seem Bench anHUtv!a^ trust w^ich should exist between the desired an7i u Psychiatrist often leaves much to be fitness’ wh 1 this !s sometimes the fault of the medical r as pos^hf6 ^ *s to use nontechnical terms as that his m ? an^ utmost always to be so explicit ? As wa<! ?ar^n? is clear beyond any doubt. ?ntentionali exPected from Mr. Mullins, the book is sider that ^ Provocative. The author does not conreconcile Sood can come from any attempt to resPonsibii t Stant^ve *aw’ so far as tests ^or criminal l?-dav y ,are concerned, with the psychiatric opinion eyen to p’ anu doubts whether it would be worth while the Ait^-S adoption of the recommendation a8reernent ? uCo?mittee- The reviewer is in entire ?Ccasion ?? ^s statement and for some time, as Psychiatrkt eret’ ^as Put forward his belief that y having thCan a^vance the administration of justice the lawyer ,conception of criminal responsibility to act that thS a- emPhasizing, in appropriate cases, the ^though rCre 1S a considerable number of offenders who esPonsible are, on account of various well recognized forms of minor mental abnormality, less culpable from the medical point of view than so-called normal persons.
It is satisfactory to note that Mr. Mullins has refused the assistance of non-medical therapists. He realizes the fact that criminal courts assume a considerable responsibility i’h recommending delinquents to undergo psychological treatment, and that if the offender is treated by a registered medical practitioner any complaint made against the psychotherapist can be referred to the General Medical Council.
The author emphasizes the importance of not necessarily disclosing all the medical information set out in a medical report to the court, and makes out a strong case for the admissibility, after the verdict, of written reports which would be psychologically harmful to the offender if they revealed to him, in the emotional atmosphere of a criminal court, secrets of the past which have been carefully concealed from him by those well able to judge the advisability or inadvisability of so doing.
Some persons will find material for criticism in the author’s presentation of his subject, and we may perhaps believe that Mr. Mullins will welcome this as being evidence that his views have determined his readers to think about the many difficult problems concerned in the treatment of crime and criminals. As a record of the conclusions of an experienced lawyer, this sincere book may be relied upon to encourage others to widen their horizon on the matters dealt with by the author with so much enthusiasm and understanding. W.N.E.
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