Should the insanity defense be abolished

Assignment Help Business Law and Ethics

Reference no: EM133342341 , Length: Words Count:250

Assignment:

Reflect

Tom Smith recently escaped from a mental hospital and was picked up by a concerned motorist. At a highway rest area, Tom killed the motorist by strangulation. He was charged with murder. On two prior occasions, he had been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Tom has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old child. He has a history of mental illness dating back 30 years. He told a psychiatrist that he strangled the motorist because he believed the motorist was the anti-Christ described in heavy-metal music.

Defense attorneys plead insanity, claiming that Tom belongs in a mental hospital, not a prison. They waived a jury trial. You are the judge. Should Tom be punished as a criminal or treated as a person with a mental illness?

Should the insanity defense be abolished? Reformed?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words, and you should respond to my questions or the posts of other students at least twice. You have two weeks for the discussion. Others need to see and have an opportunity to respond to what you say. You will not receive credit if you post only in the last few days of the discussion period.

Reference no: EM133342341

Questions Cloud

Describe processes of legislative-judicial decision making : That legal realism best describes the processes of both legislative and judicial decision making. Discuss. From Canadian Law: An Introduction, 7th Edition.

What is vision and mission in a correctional administration : What is the difference between the "vision" and the "mission" in a correctional administration?

How should balance crime and budgets moving forward : What would your top five suggestions be and why? How do you feel states should balance crime and budgets moving forward?

Define the term disaster : Then, choose a disaster category, describe the applicable phase(s) of emergency management, and discuss any sociological theories that must be considered.

Should the insanity defense be abolished : Defense attorneys plead insanity, claiming that Tom belongs in a mental hospital, not a prison. They waived a jury trial. You are the judge.

Describe human resource and strategic management roles : Describe the synthesis of manager roles. Please describe the traditional, human resource and strategic management roles.

Explain mental health available to mentally ill offenders : Explain the mental health help available to mentally ill offenders and discuss if you feel prison is the best place for these people. Why or why not?

What are your opinions on the crime of aiding suicide : What are your opinions on the crime of Aiding Suicide? Should it always be a crime, sometimes be a crime, or never be a crime.

Which can lead to recidivism-a reliance on public assistance : "Upon release from prison, offenders face severe difficulties securing legitimate employment, which can lead to recidivism or a reliance on public assistance."

User Account

All Pages