Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to a set of pervasive, life-long conditions
caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The consequences associated with prenatal
alcohol exposure can contribute to a host of adverse outcomes that can impact
behavioral, cognitive, educational, social, and vocational capacities. Deficits
associated with FASD can lead to individual issues with decision-making,
long-term planning and understanding, memory, suggestibility, confabulation,
and vulnerability, all of which may predispose individuals with FASD to come
into contact with the criminal justice system. Without proper recognition of
the diagnosis, suspects, defendants, victims, and witnesses with FASD may
experience a host of challenges and obstacles during several different
points-of-contact in the criminal justice system (i.e., pretrial, trial,
sentencing, and post-sentencing). Forensic Scholars Today (FST) recognizes the
importance of educating students and professionals on the complexities and
misconceptions of FASD.

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http://online.csp.edu/forensic-scholars-today/volume-2-issue-3