Citation

Osafo J, Akotia CS, Andoh-Arthur J, Boakye KE, Quarshie ENB. Int. J. Offender Ther. Comp. Criminol. 2018; 62(6): 1488-1508.

Affiliation

University of Leeds, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0306624X17692059

PMID

29237314

Abstract

This study explored the views of judges and lawyers of the superior courts of Ghana on the law criminalizing attempted suicide. Qualitative data were collected from 12 experienced legal practitioners of the superior courts (five judges and seven lawyers) using a semi-structured interview schedule. Thematic analysis of the data yielded three main perspectives: In defence of the Law, Advocating a Repeal, and Pro-Health Orientation. Although exploratory, the findings of this study offer cues for stepping up suicide literacy and advocacy programmes toward either a repeal of the law or a reform.

Language: en

Keywords

Ghana; attempted suicide; criminalization; judges; lawyers