This book examines how those with disabilities and in particular the Deaf and hard-of-hearing
are impacted by the influence language and culture in policing criminal law and corrections.
Frequently left out of policy making and research almost no resources exist that can inform
and aid law enforcement legal and correctional officials on culturally competent interactions
with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. As a result this group is at a distinct disadvantage when
dealing with law enforcement or the courts as well as being vastly underserved which often
lead to negative outcomes for the Deaf suspect defendant inmate as they attempt to interact
with law enforcement and navigate the legal system. In a step-by-step presentation from arrest
to incarceration each chapter will discuss a specific part of the legal system. As well as
providing information on the topic this book can serve as an important resource to the myriad
of issues and difficulties that may be experiences by the Deaf suspect defendant or inmate
as well as by law enforcement officers attorneys and correctional officers. To illustrate
these issues previous cases of Deaf suspects defendants and inmates will be presented and
discussed to clarify key issues and to provide a perspective of the problem. Each chapter
dealing with these issues will also provide suggestions for more culturally competent
interactions between the Deaf community and the legal system.
