Exploring structural stigma towards mental disorders: An analysis of trial verdicts

IF 1.4 4区 医学 Q1 LAW
Lei Gu , Hongwei Ding
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Mental health issues, particularly depression, often carry a stigma that can infiltrate various societal institutions, including the legal system. This study investigates the structural stigma associated with depression within the context of second-instance criminal trials in China, examining trial verdicts from 2009 to 2023. Through a detailed analysis of 171 cases using Semantic Network Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis, and logistic regression, this research elucidates the complex ways in which depression is considered in judicial decisions. The findings identify three thematic responses—Neutral Evaluation, Sympathetic Consideration, and Rigorous Standards—that encapsulate diverse judicial attitudes towards the impact of depression on criminal responsibility. Critical Discourse Analysis further reveals three prevailing legal discourses—Stringent Criteria, Inconsistent Approaches, and Individual Negligence—that significantly influence the treatment of defendants with depression. The results also show a declining trend in recognizing depression as a mitigating factor, jointly influenced by crime type, defendant gender, and defendant’s education level, suggesting a shift towards more stringent judicial interpretations over time. These findings underscore the critical need for judicial reforms aimed at reducing stigma and promoting a more equitable treatment of mental health issues in the legal system.
探索对精神障碍的结构性耻辱:对审判判决的分析
精神健康问题,特别是抑郁症,往往带有污名,可以渗透到各种社会机构,包括法律制度。本研究调查了中国二审刑事审判背景下与抑郁症相关的结构性耻辱感,考察了2009年至2023年的审判判决。通过使用语义网络分析、批评话语分析和逻辑回归对171个案例进行详细分析,本研究阐明了在司法判决中考虑抑郁症的复杂方式。调查结果确定了三个主题回应-中立评估,同情考虑和严格标准-概括了对抑郁症对刑事责任影响的不同司法态度。批判性话语分析进一步揭示了三种流行的法律话语-严格的标准,不一致的方法和个人疏忽-显着影响抑郁症被告的治疗。结果还显示,在犯罪类型、被告性别和被告教育水平的共同影响下,将抑郁视为减轻因素的趋势有所下降,这表明随着时间的推移,司法解释将朝着更严格的方向转变。这些调查结果强调,迫切需要进行司法改革,以减少耻辱,并促进在法律制度中更公平地对待精神卫生问题。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
4.70
自引率
8.70%
发文量
54
审稿时长
41 days
期刊介绍: The International Journal of Law and Psychiatry is intended to provide a multi-disciplinary forum for the exchange of ideas and information among professionals concerned with the interface of law and psychiatry. There is a growing awareness of the need for exploring the fundamental goals of both the legal and psychiatric systems and the social implications of their interaction. The journal seeks to enhance understanding and cooperation in the field through the varied approaches represented, not only by law and psychiatry, but also by the social sciences and related disciplines.
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