Posted by Elizabeth on March 5, 2000, at 8:17:22
In reply to Prozac Defense Brings Acquittal, posted by kazoo on March 3, 2000, at 0:50:43
I don't agree 100% with my psych & law professor's opinion that the insanity defense should be abolished altogether. But it does seem like the existence of easily-bribed professional expert witnesses like Br*ggin who can use pseudoscience to twist any set of facts to suit their needs, combined with the shocking gullibility of some juries, results in acquittals or reduced sentences for persons who were in no way "insane."
This sort of fiasco is an affront to those who have experienced true psychotic episodes, and I'm afraid that one day it will be impossible for the truly insane to be found not guilty because the defense is so over-used.
poster:Elizabeth
thread:25642
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26024.html