What is Insanity in Criminal Law?
Objective
Become knowledgeable and discuss the criminal defense of Insanity
Describe how the insanity defense is applied in a criminal case
Assignment Overview
This paper/summary explores the legal concept of insanity and the effects of the defense.
Deliverables
A 750 1000 word report
Step 1 Research.
Conduct research on the Internet and use other library resources as well as your text to obtain knowledge regarding the legal concept of insanity.
Also, use the internet or resources (other than your textbook) to find information on the following cases:
1. The case/story of Andrea Yates
2. The case/story of Lorena Bobbitt
1. What drove Andrea Yates and Lorena Bobbitt to engage in their behaviors?
2. Part 2
Homework Assignments
1. Insanity Defense
A local business owner has been arrested for the nonfatal shooting of a competitor, who he said taunted him and destroyed his business reputation. The defendant is from a culture in which people who commit social wrongs make public apologies; in some cases, they commit suicide to show remorse. The defendant stated that his competitor slandered him to vendors and to customers. In addition, he refused to apologize when confronted and only laughed at the defendant. The defendant said that he was out of his mind with rage when he pulled the trigger. Answer the following questions:
a. Can the defendant use any affirmative defenses? Why, or why not?
b. Should the defendant be charged with any crime? Why, or why not? What crime?
2. Self-Defense
You are a police detective investigating a homicide case in which the defendant shot and killed a man who had broken into her apartment and threatened to rape her. He was eight inches taller and 60 pounds heavier than she is, and she stated that she feared for her life. Answer the following questions:
a. In such a case, is lethal force justified for self-defense? Why, or why not?
b. What other factors would you consider in a case such as this?
What was the defense used by both Andrea Yates and Lorena Bobbitt?
3. Was Andrea Yates and Lorena Bobbitt found guilty of Insanity?
4. What happened to them immediately after their cases concluded?
5. Where are they now?
Step 3 Use Moodle Text box (may want to type in MS word and copy and paste to the Text box). Write at least 375 words on each individuals case. Be sure to provide the sources for your information in APA format.