Within the last 30 years, the number of mentally ill offenders has increased substantially in Denmark, despite a general decrease in criminal offending, and it surmounts that of most other nations by far, without sufficient explanations yet being offered. Schizophrenia is the single most prevalent diagnostic group receiving psychiatric sanctions. A robust correlation between schizophrenia and violence has been found in a number of studies. Clinical, ethical and resource aspects of sanctions are outlined.