A Man of Many Disguises It Seems

Earlier this week we spoke about the development of the pyschopathic theory and the affect it has on deviant acts and the justice system as a whole. Naturally, our nation has taken the plea of insanity in the courtroom as a possibility in certain situations associated with mass murders. In the earlier reading that we reviewed in class, one topic that was brought up was how to treat individual that were deemed insane. The conclusion that was made from the article was that we would treat the “rare” symptoms that the person consisted of, instead of simply punishing him for his or her actions. In some instances we would kill the person if he/she tested to be completely uncontrollable. A recent tragedy that occurred at the hands of a “confused” James Holmes is currently being debated in court. His defense is willing to plead insanity and if the case is won in their favor, he’ll be put in psych ward euipped with a straight jacket most likely and under constant supervision. But the question is if a psych ward is the proper punishment for a man who committed such a brutal crime. There is no question that he is guilty of these crimes regardless if he’s deemed psychotic or not, but will the families of the affected truly avenge the deaths and pain of the injured. My sentiment is absolutely not! James Holmes should be prosecuted as a “normal” criminal, the man was studying for his doctorate degree as a neuroscience major, he obviously knew of his actions and the difference between righ and wrong. I can understand that the defense has to do their job, but then again I can’t understand how someone can even attempt to represent someone in court who has committed such a tragedy. I don’t believe in capital punishment, but I believe that the final vote in this case should be up to the families that were affected. Of course I know that that isn’t how our justice system works, but for this case special consideration should be given.

For further information regarding this story:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-07-30/colorado-shootings-james-holmes/56584772/1