The Mentally Retarded in Penal and Correctional Institutions

Abstract

Rapidly expanding interest in the many facets of mental retardation has not, until recently, included the varied problems posed by mentally retarded offenders. The authors report on the results of a nationwide survey to determine the extent of retardation in prison populations, the criminal offenses committed by retardates, and the problems encountered by those responsible for dealing with the incarcerated retardate. An intensive case study also revealed significant data regarding crimino-legal issues and problems.