Our Legal System is a Joke

[hndog609]

I usually try to draw some kind of distinction between those with "historically verifiable" mental conditions and those with "convenient" mental conditions.

While I'm sure there could be much debate over how that's determined I don't think most would have too much trouble with the underlying concept.

 

[KiffinKiller]

I think people get the wrong idea about the frequency of insanity pleas in violent crime trials. Law & Order is to blame, imo.

 

[KiffinKiller]

I usually try to draw some kind of distinction between those with "historically verifiable" mental conditions and those with "convenient" mental conditions.

While I'm sure there could be much debate over how that's determined I don't think most would have too much trouble with the underlying concept.

Exactly, I'd like to think judges are competent enough to recognize the distinction between a believable and unbelievable insanity plea.

 

[TennesseeOrange]

I think people get the wrong idea about the frequency of insanity pleas in violent crime trials. Law & Order is to blame, imo.

This is completely true. Most states limited or eliminated the defense after Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity. It's rarely used and rarely works. The news and TV shows make it look like every criminal is getting off by using the plea. The few that actually do will probably spend the rest of their lives in a mental health facility.

This actually has nothing to do with an insanity plea. The judge found him incompetent to stand trial, the insanity defense would be raised later.

 

[gsvol]

I don't care if you're crazy, retarded, or acting. It's time we get rid of the "Insanity" and my personal favorite 'Temporary Insanity" pleas. When you commit an action you should face the music. Mental competence or incompetence should not be a factor in sentencing or going to trial.

Ariz. shooting spree suspect incompetent for trial - Yahoo! News

I think that it is of the upmost importance to remove them from an environment within which they can inflict wrong upon others, seeing as they have no means of understanding if they are doing wrong or not.

 

[lumberjack4]

More insanity:

Stephen Coffeen: 'Red Bull Killer' not guilty by reason of insanity, will receive no jail time | wtsp.com