The James Holmes and the Aurora theatre shooting case. There are many pieces of evidence in this case that could be looked at as someone who committed a premeditated shooting and someone who was in fact insane. Ultimately the insanity plea did not work in James Holmes favor but it did extend what would have already been a long death penalty case. Some key pieces of evidence were highly controversial in the fact that there was arguing over whether or not it should be allowed in court.
David Eagleman’s Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain is a book about the depths of the brain and how one’s conscience affects him daily. Through this work, Eagleman discusses how the mind drives people to act on certain behaviors. Eagleman further proves through practical facts that there is a significant association with the conscious and subconscious mind. Eagleman shows with scientific credibility, metaphors, and rhetorical questions that people should be able to trust their senses.
In Roper v. Simmons there are two issues that must be addressed, the first being the issue of moral maturity and culpability. The defense in the trial phase of this case argued that Mr. Simmons was an at an age where he was not responsible enough to fully understand the effects and consequences of his actions. The majority draws on Atkins v. Virginia to argue that this specific precedent supports their case that the death penalty should not be imposed on the mentally immature or impaired. However, an important point to be made is that the Atkins v. Virginia decision is geared towards the clinical definition of mental retardation: significant limitations that limit adaptive skills. Also, another important question to consider is the competency and premeditation of Mr. Simmons’ crime in this case.
The CSI effect describes the way CSI is exaggerated on crime television shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Sherlock which influences public perception. As a result, Jurors have come to have unrealistic expectations about the quantity, quality, and availability of scientific evidence, thereby raising the effective standard of proof for prosecutors. As technology improves and becomes more prevalent throughout society, people may also develop higher expectations for the capabilities of forensic technology. The csi effect creates unrealistic expectations of the public and has raised the juror’s expectations of the crime investigating field.
Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 2(4), i-109. Greene, E., & Heilbrun, K. (2011). Wrightsmans psychology and the legal system (7th ed.). 20 Davis Drive Belmont, CA 94002 USA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Thompson-Cannino, J., Cotton, R., & Torneo, E. (2010).
Eroy Brown was a convicted murderer who faced several trials throughout his life. The outcome of his trials was influenced by several factors, including the evidence presented in court, the jurors’ biases, and the actions of the prosecution and defense. One of the most significant factors that influenced the outcome of Eroy Brown’s trials was the evidence presented in court. In some cases, the evidence was conclusive and left no doubt as to Brown’s guilt or innocence. For example, in one of his trials, Brown was convicted of murdering a fellow inmate based on eyewitness testimony and physical evidence found at the scene of the crime.
From Thomas’ analysis, it can be concluded that by allowing the human brain to be in control, humans do not have to follow “the great error of our time to think that by thinking about thinking.” (76) The human brain is an effective tool that expresses preliminary thoughts vocally. Overall, the complicated thoughts circulating the brain will eventually diminish once people vocalize their internal
In Atkins v. Virginia (2002), the court ruled that the mentally retarded should not be tried for death penalty because they do not bear the proper guilt that even the worst adult criminal bears upon committing a crime. The mentally retarded have trouble reasoning and controlling their
Traumatic brain injuries can affect all areas of life of a person of physical functioning of personality. Depending on the severity, comprehensive treatment plan can help. Traumatic Brain Injury Types and treatment Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe. In some cases, brain injuries are life threatening. Brain injuries may be evident in some situations.
Since a person’s brain is so fragile, considering how important it is becomes even more daunting. After all, the brain, is the body’s ultimate controller, taking charge of even a person’s own desires and actions once it is compromised by injury, illness, or other ailment (Cahalan, 2012, pg.87). As much as the human race wants to believe they are in control, the truth is one event could drastically change
Criminal Justice Psychologist The psychologist is a vital asset to the criminal justice system. The psychologist can examine victims, police officials and various witnesses thus making them ethically obligated to make the right decisions and evaluations. This essay will discuss the roles of psychologist as they work within the criminal justice system. I will Identify and describe the psychologists’ roles within the criminal justice system as it pertains to the applied scientist, the basic scientist, the policy evaluator, and the advocate.
Insanity Defense: villain or victim? A University of Florida law professor and former prosecutor, Bob Dekle, states, “In general, insanity is a desperation defense. You haven’t gotten anything else, so you act crazy.” He claims this after Eddie Ray Routh from Stephenville, Texas commits a murder while having a psychotic episode.
What are the factors which would need to be considered? The Judge plays an important role in ruling whether scientific evidence is necessary and appropriate and would decide whether the psychologist can testify about the results from DCAT . The Supreme Court case Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (1993) provides guidance on the admissibility of scientific expert testimony. The Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) require that the Judge ensure that “an expert’s testimony both rests on a reliable foundation and is relevant to the task at hand.” FRE 702 (2012) states: “If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise, if (1) the testimony is based upon sufficient facts or data, (2) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods, and (3) the witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the
There is only one approach in psychology that studies thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The biological approach believes that the way we are is due to our genetics and physiology. They believe that the activity going on our nervous system’s is what affects the way we think, feel and behave (Sammons, 2009). The physiology in the biological approach looks into how the brain functions. The brain is a very complicated machine as such, the brain is what controls our every move, every feeling and every action.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee the term mockingbird symbolizes innocence in a person. In the novel it focuses on the fact that innocence, represented by the mockingbird, can be wrongfully harmed. There are two characters: Tom Robinson and Arthur “Boo” Radley that are supposed to represent the mockingbird. In the novel, Tom Robinson is the best example of a mockingbird because he is prosecuted for a crime he did not commit. Also, he was judged unfairly based on the color of his skin in his trial.
