How do mental health conditions and trauma histories influence people's pathways to crime, rates of reoffending and their experiences within the criminal justice system? How can interventions be tailored to address their specific needs? What systems are in place to ensure their needs continue to be met once their contact with the criminal justice system ends? How effective are these systems?

Background

The Scottish Government’s Vision for Justice aims to establish an effective, modern person-centred and trauma-informed approach to justice in which everyone can have trust, including as victims, those accused of crimes and as individuals in civil disputes. As such, Justice Analytical Services have identified the theme of ‘Justice Processes & Experiences’ as a research priority. Robust research on justice processes, the experiences of complainers and the accused as well as the functioning of juries will inform work towards this aim.