In recent years, fire-raising has become an increasing problem in Britain and elsewhere, and the cost in both human and economic terms has risen sharply. The phenomenon is also known as arson (the legal term), incendiarism, fire-setting and pyromania. The author has chosen the term fire-raising because it encompasses all these other terms.

Focus in the media on the risks posed to ordinary people has become increasingly strong in recent years - particularly on those risks popularly perceived to be posed by the mentally ill. But how justified is this concern? How do we best manage so-called dangerous people?
In Will They Do It Again? Herschel Prins considers the issue of public protection within a broad context of risk in society generally, examining the concerns arising in contemporary society from dealing with uncertainty. It is argued that public fear over the danger posed by the mentally ill is at odds with the...

First Published in 1978. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Offenders, Deviants or Patients? provides a practical approach to understanding both the social context and treatment of mentally disordered offenders. Taking into account the current public concern, often heightened by media sensationalism; it addresses issues such as sex and 'historic sex offending, 'hate' crime, homicide and other acts of serious bodily harm.　

This fifth edition is fully updated and incorporates the latest research and reflects recent changes in law, policy and practice, including: 　　

DSM-V criteria

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