Mental Defectives and Sexual Offenders: Report of the Committee of Inquiry Appointed by the Hon. Sir Maui Pomare, K.B.E., C.M.G., Minister of Health is a comprehensive governmental report published in 1925 in New Zealand. This document presents the findings and recommendations of a committee established to investigate the treatment, management, and legal handling of individuals classified as mental defectives and sexual offenders within the country. The report delves into the social, medical, and legal challenges posed by these populations, examining the adequacy of existing institutions, the effectiveness of current legislation, and the broader implications for public health and safety. Drawing on testimonies from medical professionals, legal experts, and social workers, the committee provides a detailed analysis of the causes, prevalence, and societal impact of mental deficiency and sexual offending. The report discusses the classification of mental defectives, the processes for their identification and institutionalization, and the conditions within asylums and special schools. It also addresses the treatment and rehabilitation of sexual offenders, considering both punitive and preventive approaches. A significant portion of the report is dedicated to recommendations for legislative reform, improved institutional care, and the establishment of specialized facilities. The committee advocates for a more scientific and humane approach to the management of these individuals, emphasizing the need for early intervention, ongoing supervision, and community education. The report also explores the ethical and moral dimensions of compulsory detention, sterilization, and other controversial measures proposed at the time. Rich in historical context, Mental Defectives and Sexual Offenders offers a window into early 20th-century attitudes toward mental health, criminality, and social welfare in New Zealand. It remains a valuable resource for historians, legal scholars, and those interested in the evolution of mental health and criminal justice policy.
