What is a psychopath? How can we tell? Are psychopaths always a risk to the public? How safe are we from criminal psychopaths? This basic guide looks at the history and development of psychopathy. It gives practical illustrations and explains key provisions for dealing with criminal psychopaths (with examples). It also examines possible causes, the difficulties involved in the assessment of risk, and the tools used to determine whether or not someone has a psychopathic personality. Psychopathy may exist in the boardroom, politics or sport just as it does in our prisons - sometimes driven or successful people can exhibit similar traits without unduly adverse reaction. But when located in an individual with violent tendencies things become problematic and the chances are that they will not be deterred by or respond to everyday approaches to crime and punishment. Psychopaths may be cold, calculating, manipulative and lack empathy for victims or others. They may be charming, intelligent