This is the revised and fully updated version of Mental health care and the criminal justice system. This version of briefing no.39 was published by the Centre for Mental Health in 2011. This briefing paper examines the provision of mental health care for adults in the criminal justice system. It looks at what has been achieved to date and identifies priorities for further work. A separate briefing paper will also be published. The other briefing paper will examine the provision of mental health care for children and young people in the youth justice system