Disability and the criminal justice system in Zambia

Jacobson, Jessica and Sabuni, P. and Talbot, J. (2017) Disability and the criminal justice system in Zambia. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour 8 (2), pp. 59-69. ISSN 2050-8824.

Abstract

Drawing on multi-method research conducted in 2013-2014, this paper considers the extent and nature of disadvantage experienced by individuals with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities (PID) who come into contact with criminal justice system in Zambia. The research was conducted as part of a wider project aiming to bring about improvements in how people with PID are dealt with by criminal justice services. The research activities included interviews with 29 individuals with PID who had experienced the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or prisoners (‘self-advocates’). A focus group and interviews were also conducted with family members of people with PID who had criminal justice experience. The study found that people with PID in contact with criminal justice services in Zambia are disadvantaged and discriminated against routinely and systematically. Like all detainees, they experience harsh and at times brutal conditions of detention. However, because of their disabilities, such experiences can be more keenly felt: their disabilities may be exacerbated by detention or by limited or non-existent health care; and they are likely to be less resourceful than other detainees and, therefore, less able to cope with the privations of detention.

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