Implications and issues of recidivism risk assessment for clinical practice

Abstract

In recent years, risk assessment based on scientific evidence has been introduced in the judicial and criminal fields in Japan. However, compared to Europe and the United States, where its introduction began in the latter half of the 20th century, research in Japan has lagged, and the use of scientific findings in the field is lacking. This paper discusses the history of the development of recidivism risk assessment, theoretical background, advances in data analysis techniques, points to note regarding its introduction to the field, and prospects, with the aim of promoting understanding of this area and, in ultimately, contributing to the prevention of recidivism.