Question In approaching this case study, you are to take on the fictional position of one of the following: a) a defence activist, b) a prosecutorial activist, c) a police activist, d) a court activist, or e) a victim activist

The over-representation of people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in the criminal justice system (CJS). Overview. Research shows that a large percentage of people in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) have Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). According to Jackson & Hardy, (2010) up-to-date study findings of Victorian prison demographics indicated that about 30% and 40% females and male prisoners had acquired brain injury. In addition, Schofield et al., (2006); Slaughter, Fann & Ehde, (2003) found that loss of consciousness and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) were common cases among prisoners. Taking into consideration the above findings, it’s absolutely clear that there is a high number of prisoners with ABI, intellectual disability (ID) and mental illness (MI) behind bars as a result of them convicted as suspects, accused or victim of crime. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007, approximately 2% of ABI cases lies among the general population. However, as indicated 30-40% of the prisoners have ABI. This clearly suggest that there is over-representation of people with ABI in Criminal Justice Systems. Notwithstanding the high population of offenders with ABI, they are always not considered and are seen to be greatly disadvantaged and under resourced. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, (2007, 2008) indicates that the number of people with ABI correlates to the number of those with intellectual disability. This paper focuses on establishing