Do you think it's fair murderers get off with the insanity plea?
By safiyyah319
@safiyyah319 (2)
United States
February 23, 2007 12:10pm CST
I don't know if you heard about it, but there was a man that lived in Lake Mary, Florida who decapitated his wife and slashed his son to death in their front yard. The son was trying to get away, but it was too late. Neighbors tried to save him, but he died anyway. The father then tried to take his own life, but failed. Now, this happened in June of last year, he's awaiting trial and is looking to plead insanity. Before he committed the murders, his wife called her sister and told her he was becoming eratic and was losing his mind. He served in the Gulf War as a cook, becoming disabled. He constantly had flashbacks, resulting in insomnia and bizarre behavior. Anyway, I don't think he should get the insanity plea or the death penalty. He should rot in jail for the rest of his life. What do you think?
2 responses
@nicolec (2671)
• United States
23 Feb 07
You have to think of it this way. Being in a state 'mental institution' is no bed of roses either. It's a lot like jail in the fact 1) you don't get to come and go as you please 2) you are under constant supervison and 3) you probably won't like the other 'inmates'.
If this man is truley sick, he will have to live with what he has done to his family for the rest of his life. If it truley was not intended, the guilt alone will be his punishment.
Not sure that really answered your question. I guess it's a case by case basis.
@cuddleme01 (2725)
• Philippines
23 Feb 07
insanity is one of the few grounds which exempts an individual from punishment. insanity is an absolute defense if proven by sufficient and convincing proof. Proof may include a testimony of a psychiatrist or doctors, or witnesses. in order to be a defense, the accused claiming insanity must prove that he was indeed insane when he committed the crim, otherwise, he will still be liable.
i think the plea of insanity is fair when duly proven. you cannot hold a person liable for acts he was not aware of that he did, or for acts he did when he was not in his proper mind. insanity is an illness which one cannot avoid or cure instantly.
