The well-known case of Andrea Yates can be used not only to introduce mood disorders and their treatment but also to discuss the important issue of legal insanity and criminal responsibility. Andrea’s legal defense raises important questions about how society should treat people who have disorders and have committed crimes. At question is: whom should we hold responsible?
Directions:
1. Review the following video
The Case of Andrea Yates
(Links to an external site.)
Links to an external site.
2. Review the following Interpretive Comments
Andrea Yates was tried twice. In the first trial, the jury rejected her insanity defense, and she was sentenced to serve life in a psychiatric prison. In January 2005, a Texas Appeals Court overturned her conviction because a psychiatrist for the prosecution had falsely testified that he had consulted for a Law and Order episode. The Appeals Court stated that the false testimony may have contributed to the jury’s rejection of Yates’ insanity defense. Retried in the summer of 2006, Yates again entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. On July 26, a jury acquitted her by reason of insanity, and she was sent to a hospital. She could be released if found mentally competent and no longer a danger to herself or others.
3. Prepare a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper addressing the following questions
What do you think were the causes of Andrea’s actions?
Was Andrea responsible for the killing of her children? Why or why not?
How should society determine whether disturbed persons who commit crimes should be punished or provided therapy?
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