Research Outline-Explain the relationship between the actions and behavior that would cause the court to remand the defendant for a mental evaluation.
You are part of a fact finding panel for your state court system. The court has a concern over the methods used to handle persons that are mentally ill violent offenders. You are charged with selecting a modern court case (past 30 years) in which an insanity issue arose regarding a violent offender. The case may involve a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Plea, or it may involve a directive by the court for a sanity hearing. You may also select a case with a court determination of intellectual or mental disability, or mental deficiency.
- Articulate the mental disorder(s) and symptoms being considered by the court in the case that you selected.
- Explain the relationship between the actions and behavior that would cause the court to remand the defendant for a mental evaluation.
- Evaluate the outcome of the case you selected in terms of the defendant, the victim, and the community.
- Critique the court’s decision in the case you selected. Either:
- Support the court’s correct decision, or
- Challenge the court’s decision with your supported reasons.
