insanity (law)

"1860: As the clash between the states rolls slowly to a boil, Elizabeth Packard, housewife and mother of six, is facing her own battle. The enemy sits across the table and sleeps in the next room. Threatened by Elizabeth's intellect, independence, and outspokenness, her husband of twenty-one years is plotting against her and makes a plan to put her back in her place. One summer morning, he has her committed to an insane asylum. The horrific conditions inside the Illinois State Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois, are overseen by Dr. Andrew McFarland, a man who will prove to be even more dangerous to Elizabeth than her traitorous husband. But most disturbing is that Elizabeth is not the only sane woman confined to the institution. There are many rational women on her ward who tell the same story: they've been committed not because they need medical treatment, but to keep them in line--conveniently labeled 'crazy' so their voices are ignored. No one is willing to fight for their freedom, and disenfranchised both by gender and the stigma of their supposed madness, they cannot possibly fight for themselves. But Elizabeth is about to discover that the merit of losing everything is that you then have nothing to lose..."--Provided by publisher.

"1860: As the clash between the states rolls slowly to a boil, Elizabeth Packard, housewife and mother of six, is facing her own battle. The enemy sits across the table and sleeps in the next room. Threatened by Elizabeth's intellect, independence, and outspokenness, her husband of twenty-one years is plotting against her and makes a plan to put her back in her place. One summer morning, he has her committed to an insane asylum. The horrific conditions inside the Illinois State Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois, are overseen by Dr. Andrew McFarland, a man who will prove to be even more dangerous to Elizabeth than her traitorous husband. But most disturbing is that Elizabeth is not the only sane woman confined to the institution. There are many rational women on her ward who tell the same story: they've been committed not because they need medical treatment, but to keep them in line--conveniently labeled 'crazy' so their voices are ignored. No one is willing to fight for their freedom, and disenfranchised both by gender and the stigma of their supposed madness, they cannot possibly fight for themselves. But Elizabeth is about to discover that the merit of losing everything is that you then have nothing to lose..."--.

"Documents the legal and clinical aspects of the issues related to intellectual disability and the death penalty. Includes a detailed discussion of the Supreme court decision in Atkins vs. Virginia as well as a review of court decisions since that 2002 ruling, and best practices in clinical assessment and ... forensic matters that must be considered."--Provided by publisher.

Using the trial of Herbert Weinstein, a sixty-five year old man who murdered his wife and was later found to have a cyst on his brain, the author discusses the use of neuroscience in the courtroom as a defense.

Collects Edgar Allen Poe's short story, "The Tell-tale Heart," and a selection of his poems.

Presents a dramatization of Poe's horror story in which a servant, obsessed with the notion that an old man has an evil eye, murders the innocent victim and then goes insane.

Charles Kinbote tells the story of his life while analyzing a poem by his deceased friend, John Shade.

A forensic psychologist discusses some of her experiences with various criminals including serial killer Joel Rifkin, and challenges the current use of the insanity defense.

An examination of the insanity plea, how it developed, how it works, and the controversy that surrounds it. Also discusses its effect on the criminal justice system in the United States.

Discusses the insanity defense, covering its history, individual cases in which it has been used, and prevalent myths surrounding it.