Insanity Defense

Insanity Defense

Angel Gunn, Ashley Jackson, Alma Perez-Santos, Ann Spratt, Nakiya Vines

CJA/305

May 15, 2017

Ins: Jonathan Sperling

Insanity Defense

Introduction

In this paper, we’ll discuss the insanity defense case of The State versus Stu Dents. We will study whether or not the defendant is competent to stand trial, the requirements needed by the state, and read the steps for proving if Stu Dents has an insanity case.

        Is the Defendant competent to stand trial? Why or why not?

After carefully studying, and reading the case on “The State v. Stu Dents” reviewing it with my collaborative group, we all came to the conclusion that they can’t just base a decision on the fact that he murdered someone. The reason for our decision is they need to look at all the evidence and run more mental evaluations to see if he is even capable of standing trial based on those tests run. According to the case they found drugs at the apartment of the slain victim’s “Uma Opee”.  This case was very interesting from the start.

The detectives found ecstasy tablets in both residences, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the defendant’s residence. After the detectives received all the evidence they found DNA on the victim that did in fact belong to the defendants. The main reason that we came to the conclusion that they need to run more mental evaluations is when the police went to arrest the defendant he was screaming and saying, “the end of the world is coming, and that aliens were working within the police force.”  The defendant also stated repeatedly, “I am GOD” and was combative while being arrested. It is our recommendation that the defendant be remanded into state custody of a mental institution until a final evaluation on the defendant’s mental health can be determined to stand trial.

            What is required in your state for an insanity defense?

For an insanity defense to be played out, in the state of Missouri, there are requirements that need to be met. 552.030.1. An individual is not responsible for a crime if at the time of such conduct, because of mental disease or defect such person was incapable of knowing and appreciating the nature, quality, or wrongfulness of such person’s conduct. (Missouri Revised Statutes, 2016). The burden of proof is placed on the defendant.