History of Mental Health and CriminologyMental health and criminal activity often collide when examining this country's criminal justice system. Psychology and political science are considered contradictory fields. Only recently in American history has forensic psychology been considered a necessity in the criminal justice system (Webb, n.d.). An example of this conflict occurred in 1962, when psychologists were called upon as experts on mental illness in the case of Jenkins v. UNITED STATES. This case specifically provided insight into the correlation between mental health and criminology. The results of this case ruled that certain psychologists are qualified to be called as experts to testify about mental disorders (Jenkins v. United States, 2014). More recently, the relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior has been discussed more among mentally ill people. health and legal professionals. This subject has been at the center of many debates and has generated much controversy during the legal management of legal proceedings against people who have committed violent crimes. Since the mid-1980s, academic work has more regularly investigated a possible relationship between mental illness and crime. The results of these studies showed an association between mental disorders and crime (Sirotich, 2008). More recently, the American Psychological Association recognized forensic psychology as a specialization within psychology (American Psychological Association, 2001). Over the past 20 years, the topic of mental stability and mental disability has become prominent in the criminal justice system (A Free and Comprehensive Guide to the World of Forensic Psychology, n.d.). The issue of treatment and incarceration of those diagnosed with mental disorders ...... middle of paper ...... in the community, unlikely to participate in outpatient services, etc. In 2004, Congress passed the Mental Disorders Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (S.1194). This law, approved by Congress and the president, aimed to improve access to mental health services for offenders of all ages. The Mental Health Court Program was created as part of the "American Law Enforcement and Mental Health Project" (Public Law 106-515). Mental health court programs have been specifically designed to address issues related to mental health disorders and criminology. These programs significantly reduce the risk of recidivism compared to people with mental illness treated in traditional courts. These relatively recent laws respond to the need for policies to reduce delinquency and recidivism among people with mental illness..