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Forensic Use of Actuarial Risk Assessment: How a Developing Science Can Enhance Accuracy and Accountability  


Author:  Eric S.  Janus.; Robert A.  Prentky.


Source: Volume 05, Number 05, August/September 2004 , pp.55-58(4)




Sex Offender Law Report

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Abstract: 

Part I of this article introduces the concept of secondary intervention, which, in contrast with primary preventions that attempt to address conditions that produce sexual violence in the first place, focuses on mitigating or reducing the risk posed by known sex offenders. In response to critics’ objections to the use of risk-of-dangerousness assessments to ensure public safety, researchers have introduced empirically-based actuarial tools for assessing the risk of sexual recidivism. The authors sort out the objections and the judicial responses, and make some suggestions about how courts ought to deal with actuarial assessments. It compares the pros and cons of clinical risk assessments with actuarial risk assessments, describes their differences, and reviews methodological critiques of the actuarial approach.Part II, which will appear in a future issue of SLR, argues against the suggestion that the potential prejudices flowing from the use of actuarial assessments make it a less valuable tool than other forms of assessments, and they describe its benefits when used in the courtroom.

Keywords: 

Affiliations:  1: William Mitchell College of Law; 2: Justice Resource Institute.

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