Treatment of mentally ill offenders.

Britain's treatment of mentally-ill offenders is facing fundamental challenges under new European Human Rights legislation. Patients are arguing against their incarceration. Lawyers such as Lucy Scott-Moncrieff argue that their clients should not be in maximum security prisons like Broadmoor. But is there provision for these offenders elsewhere? Dr John Basson recommends careful safeguards. But are there sufficient safeguards if offenders are released into the community? Are social workers able to handle these patients who have been out of society for years? If someone is not treatable, should they be in a hospital? What is the risk to the public? The Privy Council is to consider applications from three murderers from Carstairs. Doctors and lawyers argue over technicalities.