Autism in Norwegian Criminal Justice
A Thematic Analysis of Preventive Detention Cases Against Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15845/bjclcj.v13i2.4677Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s syndrome, Judicial decisions, Criminal justice, Criminal accountability, Risk assessmentAbstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in communication, social interactions, sensory processing, and cognitive functioning. While these features might have important legal and forensic relevance, research on the understanding and bearings of autism in criminal justice remains scarce. This article explores the approach to autism retained by Norwegian criminal courts in cases involving serious crimes committed by children. A thematic analysis of selected judicial decisions was conducted. The results highlighted a difficult and delayed diagnosis process, both before and during the judicial proceedings, and debated and questionable implications of autism on the defendants’ criminal accountability, sentencing and risk assessments. Overall, the present study highlights a lack of knowledge about autism and its potential legal and forensic implications within the Norwegian child justice system.
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