I Plead Insanity
By Zezlol
@Zezlol (409)
United Arab Emirates
December 5, 2008 11:49am CST
In our society, people commit many crimes that deserve harsh punishments. Five or six years ago, a woman in Vancouver decided to kill her baby, cut it up, and make a soup out of the remains. Instead of getting the appropriate life sentence, she pleaded insanity and was sent to a mental institution. I'm not saying that that's much better, but for many, it's definitely more appealing that prison.
It's not just this case; there have been countless others. More and more people are getting lighter sentences for serious crimes by pleading insanity. Thoughts?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@SukiSmiles (1991)
• United States
5 Dec 08
You would have to be insane/metally sick to do that to a baby. But lighter sentences, no I don't think so. They just need some extra consuling to go with it.
1 person likes this
@Zezlol (409)
• United Arab Emirates
5 Dec 08
Of course any individual who has committed such a crime is demented and morally corrupt, to say the least, but are psychological problems an acceptable excuse for murder? Can they relieve someone of the responsibility for their actions? Or are there some crimes where a harsh punishment must be enforced?
The legal definition of insanity basically means that one cannot understand the consequences of their own actions. Most are completely aware of their actions and the consequences thereof.
@SukiSmiles (1991)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Let me further explain, I was in a hurry when I wrote before and I don't think it came across very well. What I meant was, no I don't think people should get lighter sentences because they are deemed insane. I think they should still be punished according to the law, but they should also get counseling/mental help as well.
1 person likes this
@Zezloler (497)
• United Arab Emirates
5 Dec 08
I see a simple solution to this. O.o I think it's easier if the person gets examined by a doctor and then an official report is given about whether the person is actually insane or not. I don't think it's right that a person can get out of going to prison solely by claiming that they're insane, because this is something that everyone would do. If this law was placed in effect, many would plead insanity and exceptions would be hard to make if it encompassed everyone. XD
All crimes, especially bad ones, should be supervised seriously. I see no point in lowering the sentencing if the person being interrogated just says that they're insane. o_o
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