Analysis Of The Insanity Plea
A large portion of society opposes the insanity plea because they believe that criminals falsely enter the plea to be acquitted of a crime. According to the court, there is doubt in the defense and their ability to properly diagnose an offender. Psychiatrists may have disparate diagnoses and this takes away from the legal value of not guilty by reason of insanity (Doherty). In past cases, the jury is not quick to acquit a criminal, due to insanity, because of the small chance that the offender may be falsely claiming insanity to avoid a longer jail sentence (Vatz “Insanity”). This is not a valid argument because the insanity plea is used only 1% of the time and even then, it is not always accepted (Doherty). The plea seems relatively apparent
in today’s society, but out of four hundred claims, only one is successful in court (Vatz “Accommodating”).
Accepting the insanity plea tremendously benefits the United States and the safety of the American people. In my opinion, it is very beneficial to allow the insanity plea to be used in court. It has proven to save the lives of many offenders and has also kept the community safe. People tend to assume that those who enter the plea are trying to elude a prison sentence, but I think the public should be more open minded and allow these people to get the help they truly need. I understand that the people of the community need to worry about themselves and take care of their families, but the general public would be safer if we get these people off of the streets and into a facility to receive help. I believe that mentally ill people have the ability to get better, but they must take the proper medication and be treated in a hospital that meets their specific needs. In the future, it would benefit those who are ill and also the community if we further educate ourselves on the issue and strive to get these people the help they need.
in today’s society, but out of four hundred claims, only one is successful in court (Vatz “Accommodating”).
Accepting the insanity plea tremendously benefits the United States and the safety of the American people. In my opinion, it is very beneficial to allow the insanity plea to be used in court. It has proven to save the lives of many offenders and has also kept the community safe. People tend to assume that those who enter the plea are trying to elude a prison sentence, but I think the public should be more open minded and allow these people to get the help they truly need. I understand that the people of the community need to worry about themselves and take care of their families, but the general public would be safer if we get these people off of the streets and into a facility to receive help. I believe that mentally ill people have the ability to get better, but they must take the proper medication and be treated in a hospital that meets their specific needs. In the future, it would benefit those who are ill and also the community if we further educate ourselves on the issue and strive to get these people the help they need.