Description
For your written assignment, first read the scenario below.
You are a defense attorney and have been appointed to represent Don Smith. Don was recently arrested and charged with first degree murder for killing a woman named Valerie. Don shot and killed Valerie as she was walking into a local gas station. When interviewed by law enforcement, Don said he has schizophrenia and that he often hears "voices." Don told officers that on the day Valerie was murdered, he was walking down the street and saw a wolf. Don stated that the wolf told him to kill Valerie because she was a "bad person." The wolf told Don that Valerie was going to kidnap Don and lock him up in a cave. Don then went home and got his hunting rifle. He shot Valerie as she was walking into a gas station. After the shooting, Don sat down on the sidewalk. Officers immediately responded to the call of "shots fired" and arrested Don without incident. Don was arrested and booked at the county jail. He waived his Miranda warning and proceeded to tell officers about his schizophrenia, the wolf he saw, and that the wolf told him to kill Valerie. |
For your written assignment this week, first research your own state law regarding the insanity/mental capacity defense. Review and study the relevant statutory language concerning the insanity defense.
Prepare a 2-3 page paper that addresses the following issues. Support your comments and discussion based on the wording of your state's statute.
- According to the wording of relevant statute in your state regarding defenses, as Don's attorney, what defenses will you raise on Don's behalf?
- What is the specific wording from your state statute(s) that applies in this scenario?
- What elements or proof must you present to be successful in your defense?
- What elements or proof does the prosecutor must be present in response to your defenses?
Please be sure to prepare your assignment following APA citation and format requirements. You must include proper citations to any source you relied on for information that you include in your paper.
pls used Minnesota
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Running Head: MENTAL ILLNESS MINNESOTA
Mental Illness Minnesota
Student Name:
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MENTAL ILLNESS MINNESOTA
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In the state of Minnesota, it is very uncommon for any individual to be acquitted based
on the insanity reasons. This occurs so uncommonly that has raises questions about the insanity
defense viability of the state. An assessment of Minnesota State with the other United States
displays that it is harder to demonstrate insanity causes of the crime under the Minnesota law
than in numerous other states, but other influences may also constrain usage of the plea of
insanity. The individuals with schizophrenia as in the case of Don Smith have an intense loss of
thinking ability, planning, and decision-making capabilities because their brains do not function
normally (Goodale et al., 2013). Don Smith murdered the illusio...
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