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Predicting the Risk of Future Terrorism: Lessons for Mental Health Experts from the Benbrika Case.
Bernadette McSherry1, Piers Gooding2
1Emeritus Professor, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne.
Journal of Law and Medicine
|January 9, 2025
Summary
This study critiques the Violent Extremism Risk Assessment tool (VERA-2R) used in Australia for assessing terrorism risk. It questions the tool's reliability in judicial decision-making for detention or supervision of offenders.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Legal Decision-Making
Background:
- Risk assessment is crucial in judicial decisions, particularly for terrorism offenses in Australia.
- Individuals convicted of terrorism may face continued detention or supervision based on unacceptable future risk.
- Forensic experts use actuarial tools to assess these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the application of the Violent Extremism Risk Assessment tool, second revision (VERA-2R).
- To evaluate the VERA-2R's effectiveness in predicting future terrorist acts for legal proceedings.
Main Methods:
- Focuses on criticisms of the VERA-2R tool.
- Analyzes the use of statistical and actuarial risk prediction scales.
- Examines expert evidence provided by forensic psychologists and psychiatrists.
Main Results:
- The study highlights criticisms regarding the VERA-2R's use in judicial contexts.
- Identifies concerns about the reliability of actuarial tools in predicting extreme violence.
- Questions the VERA-2R's accuracy in assessing terrorism recidivism.
Conclusions:
- The VERA-2R tool faces significant criticism for its role in legal decision-making for terrorism offenders.
- Further scrutiny is needed on the validity and application of such risk assessment instruments.
- Concerns remain about the potential for 'unacceptable risk' determinations based on current tools.
Keywords:
continuing detentionextended supervisionrisk assessmentstructured professional judgmentterrorismMore Related Videos
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