You Play The Judge
By Brian
@wolfie34 (26771)
United Kingdom
February 13, 2007 3:54pm CST
This is only a scenario, at the end I want you to pass judgement and choose the appropriate sentence you see fit. The Death Penalty if you believe in it can also be used, as well as justifiable homicide, or incarceration.
The case is a double murder, Reese (19) is charged with the murder of his parents, he pleads guilty because the evidence is damming against him, he is placed at the scene of the crime, evidence is overwhelming it is left to you to make the appropriate sentence.
However before you pass sentence please read this.
Reese had been badly sexually abused by his mother since 6 years of age, his brother Robbie however was spoilt and everything he wanted he got. Their father stood by, knew full well what was happening but turned a blind eye. Years and years the abuse continued and eventually one day Reese snapped and he managed to get hold of a gun, he shot his mum in the head twice, he then turned the gun on his father.
When examined Reese had multiple bruises, new and old, a history of broken limbs and he was both a loner and suffered with dyslexia. The doctor was a personal friend of the parents.
You have the evidence, how do you find Reese and what sentence should he get? And why.
16 people like this
29 responses
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
13 Feb 07
I am assuming here that Reese has received proper medical examinations to see if he is "insane" in the eyes of the law or not. Assuming that he has been found fit to stand, I would definately send him to jail, as he has committed a serious crime, and needs to atone for that, but not to a "normal" jail, - more the kind of "open prison" where he can receive proper medical treatment, and psychological tests, and also where he will be able to learn a trade, to prepare for his release. The guy has had a hard life, and he deserves some kind of second chance of happiness I think. When he is realeased perhaps a change of identity, and environment would be a good idea, so he could start his life afresh where no one would know of his past. By the way - where does his brother Robbie stand in all this? Does he support him in any way, or not?
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
13 Feb 07
If I ever get sent down then I definitely want you as my judge or on the jury! Thank you for your answer on this debate.
Robbie saw his brother as weak but now that his parents have gone he stands to gain from the estate now that his brother is destined for prison, he has divided loyalties and part of him wants his brother sent down, another part of him battles against the horror of what his mum put his brother through.
4 people like this
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
13 Feb 07
LOL! I've done my stint of Jury Service, and I'm not sure I'm allowed to do it again, - but I will bear that in mind. It is a very interesting concept for discussion - thanks for posting it.
@mssnow (9484)
• United States
13 Feb 07
First of all did he get a mental exam to see if he is competent enough to know what he did was wrong. If he did not then I would want one of those done. If he did get one and he was found sane. (I can only go by what you have told me here) I think since he knew what he was doing and knew it was wrong and he planned to kill them, then he should still have to spend time in jail. Whatever the law allows for murder. Not even sure what type of murder it would be. If on the other hand he was not mentally stable then he should be found not guilty with reason of insanity. (Which sounds like the case here) If he had killed them in self defense then it was justifiable homicide. It is not easy to pass judgment without hearing all the testimony.
3 people like this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
13 Feb 07
Firstly he was competent and knew what he was doing, it wasn't in self defence at the time, it was pre-meditated as he had told his brother that it was either him (Reese) or them. His brother also said that Reese had threatened to kill himself on numerous occasions. Thank you for your response, appreciated.
3 people like this
@patootie (3592)
•
14 Feb 07
Parricide sentences are different around the world .. in America it may well be the person would get the mandatory maximum sentence: life without parole .. in France .. 'Crimes of Passion' (now known as involuntary homicide) were once sentenced more leniently than other murders ..
Murder is murder whatever the relationship, however badly provoked .. so I would have to find him guilty .. but I wouldn't put him in an ordinary prison, I'd want him in a place of 'safe keeping' for medical and psychological evaluation, until such time he could be declared 'fit and well' .. and then decide further sentencing or release ..
And I would strike off the doctor in the case .. he failed his 'sworn under oath' duties .. and I'd want a full investigation into the circumstances that left a child from the age of 6 in an abusive family ..
** It would make a big difference if the boy was still living at home too .. or living independently .. if he lived away from the home then the murders would surely be premeditated .. and a 'normal' murder trial would ensue ..
3 people like this
@dutchess67 (917)
• United States
13 Feb 07
I would absolutely call this justifiable homicide. I don't feel that abusers should have rights of protection under the law, especially abusers of children.
I know that, were I in the boy's position, I would have done the same thing, only probably a lot sooner than he did.
3 people like this
@monalizra (219)
• Romania
14 Feb 07
after all that happend probably he had a lot of mental problems, and needs a lot of care.
i'd say he's not guilty, and the only sentence that should be given to him is some medical treatment. after that he could be evaluated as dangerous or not.
those parents deserved to die after doing this to thair child.
2 people like this
@ag_abscruzmd (2283)
• United States
14 Feb 07
I think the boy needs to be put in a mental facility for treatment. He's definitely psychologically disturbed and killing his parents were brought about by this imbalance, plus the growing hatred. I think jail time will not serve him well. He's still young, he could still get treatment, and perhaps get another chance at a normal life. It has to be made sure, though, that he got well before he could get out, to prevent backsliding. I still believe that he's guilty of murder. Murder, in any form, isn't justifiable (whether he was sexually abused in the past or not). What's justifiable is to give the proper sentence, and as I have said, he should be treated.
@weemam (13372)
•
13 Feb 07
I think he should get diminished responsibility , He has been abused and maltreated all his life, he should get off hes had mental and physical abuse, in this day and age no one should have to suffer like this , This chap needed help from the system years ago , xx
@visitorinvasion (7709)
• United States
13 Feb 07
Assuming that the physical evidence jibes with the boy's story, as it sounds like it does, I would say the boy should spend an undetermined amount of time in psych lockdown.
This may sound cruel, but here are the whys the way I see 'em: 1. Reese is going to need years of therapy anyway to come to terms with not only his abuse, but the way he ended it.
2. This sort of abuse runs rampant in serial killers. Society should have the right to not have this young man on the streets until it can be determined that he is not a threat to himself or others.
2 people like this
@kunal1702 (233)
• India
14 Feb 07
Capital punishment is most difficult verdict a judge need to pass............he/she ensures before such cases that crime must be virtually going against humanity& the accused must hv previous records where he/she has been given a warning......it is now in rearrest of the rearrest cases...........but one need to be more then 100% sure of the crime & the criminal before giving any such verdict.........
1 person likes this
@mbarryton (1872)
• United States
14 Feb 07
i say justifiable homicide. i say that because of all he went threw. anyone that gets abused can only take so much. but sexually abused for years and years that would do something mentally to that person. yes im sure he knew what he was doing but at the same time i say they asked for it. hes mother should have never done that and his dad should have done something about it.
1 person likes this
@carissa765 (1097)
• United States
14 Feb 07
I will respond in the best way I know how.. I think even if he was examined and found completely sane he should have to spend at least five years in a mental health facility. I feel that anyone who indures any kind of psychological trauma should have to go through some type of therapy. I feel like if he is poven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, sane, and compatent to stand trial, he should not have to serve the same sentance as aa adult. Mainly because his parents had done this to him and everyone else around the enabled them to do it to him... And most importantly it is not his fault that this happened to him.
So after the rambling, Guilty by reason of insanity, senteanced to 10 (do 5) years in the local mental facility.
I thank you for such an interresting thought invoking subject..
@sneezeklenex (344)
• United States
14 Feb 07
I find Reese not guilty on the fact that he snapped because of abuse he sustained for many years. If I were in his shoes, I would have probably snapped too since the only person who could do something about it (his father) would stay there and watch it happen.
@Naomi17 (624)
•
14 Feb 07
I feel really sorry for Reese after suffering years of abuse and nobody the schools the doctors the neighbours did nothing!
I believe the doctor should be charged to start with he stood by and did nothing he must have known by the bruises the broken bones etc
Reese needs help justifiable homicide is my verdict for him and he will need to be assesed for mental health issues which have obviously been caused by his family after years of torment he snapped
@FaaNee (30)
• Indonesia
14 Feb 07
If reese is not proven "insane" than he should be punished. but not in jail cause i think jail is for people who is dangerous to the society, and how can this boy cause any danger?? i say he should go to place where the government can make sure he get the proper education and who knows maybe this boy caould be the next nobel winner, like Nash in the movie A beautifull mind.
1 person likes this
@cdparazo (5765)
• Philippines
14 Feb 07
Based on what you said, i think Reese may not be mentally stable. If he is in his right mind, then he should be punished to the full extent of the law based on the crimes that he committed. If he is not in his right mind, then he should be examined and treated accordingly. If he just snapped and killed his parents then i guess there was no premeditation of murder. There are lots of mitigating circumstances in his case such as admission of guilt and the abuses that he experienced wherein he still bares the scars. But i dont know whats the law where this happened and the last thing that i could only say is that may justice be served.
@takingcare (30)
• United States
14 Feb 07
The abuse is not his fault and he shouldn't have to suffer any further. However the condition of his mental state has proven to be dangerous and deadly. Reese then should be institutionalized where he can receive mental care. Only after successful treatment should he be given another chance to live free
1 person likes this
@thehsmomof2 (145)
• United States
14 Feb 07
If Reese shot his parents, then he is guilty. But...he is also a victim. As a young child, he would not have been able to defend himself. The mom was just plain sick. The father was just plain cruel. Mom and Dad both should have known better.
I believe that this is a case of justifiable homicide. Ithink that Reese should not be incarcerated, but that he should be ordered to get help. Possibly a stay in a mental hospital, but not necessarily. He may be fine, and not ever hurt another person.
If he gets the help that he needs, he should turn out just fine. But he will have to know that that are people that care about him.
1 person likes this
@huggiebear22 (2007)
• Canada
14 Feb 07
We as a society have made the laws by which we live and the law works for the guilty and the innocent as well as those who circumstaces put them in a position where they may end up breaking the law. The law of survival is one we all follow whether we try to or not a person wil do whatever he needs to do to survive.
So i would say he is guilty and the punishment should fit his crime, and if the proper medical people think it was casue of the abuse and he saw it as the only way out of a bad situation then let him go if he is likly to do it again, if he is then put him in treatment to help. I fhe did it in cold blood for the thrill of it or for the money then life behind bars is where he belongs.
1 person likes this
