Literature analysis and research proposal on the correlation between mental illness and violence and crime In recent decades, much research has attempted to test and explain the correlation between violence and crime and mental illness. Moore and Hiday (2006) state that approximately 22% of inmates have a mental illness, sometimes housing more mentally ill patients than many psychiatric units. Thanks to these statistics it is clear how important it is to understand the causes of the correlations between crime and violence and mental disorders. This proposal seeks to explain and understand the possible correlation and the reasons for this correlation between mental illnesses and violence and crime. Further research will also be presented to test these theories on crime and mental disorders. Crime can be described as a combination of behavioral and mental factors. This will prove incredibly crucial in defining crime in relation to mental illness. Many of those who commit crimes are not convicted because of their illness, so it is important to note, for the purposes of this analysis, that any illegal activity is considered a crime, regardless of conviction (Monahan and Steadman 1983). with mental illnesses are more likely to commit crimes. It is important to note, however, that not all people with mental illness commit crimes or violent behavior, so a cause is not obvious. Substance abuse, a mental disorder, is also seen as a major risk in violent behavior (Silver 2006). Hiday (1995) raises the question of the direction of this correlation. Does mental illness lead to violence or vice versa? THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Silver (2006) states the importance of using t…… half of the paper……s.” Law and Human Behavior 30(6):659-674.Powell, Thomas A., John C. Holt, and Karen M. Fondacaro. 1997. “The Prevalence of Mental Illness Among Inmates in a Rural State.” Law and Human Behavior 21(4):427-438.Robbins, Pamela Clark, John Monahan, and Eric Silver. 2003. “Mental disorder, violence and gender.” Law and Human Behavior 27(6):561-571.Silver, Eric. 2006. “Understanding the Relationship Between Mental Disorder and Violence: The Need for a Criminological Perspective.” Law and Human Behavior 30(6):685-706.Silver, Eric and Brent Teasdale. 2005. “Mental Disorder and Violence: An Examination of Stressful Life Events and Impaired Social Support.” Social Problems 52(1):62-78. Walsh, Zach, and David S. Kosson. 2007. “Psychopathy and Violent Crime: A Prospective Study of the Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity.” Law and human behavior 31(2):209-229.