Chapter 15 - Lecture Recording; Defenses of Justification

Key Figures and Events

Noteworthy Individuals

• Unknown Individual

  • Engaged in bizarre and extreme events over ten years.

• Ed Gein

  • Known for killing two women; had a history of mental health issues.

  • Diagnosed with schizophrenia and termed not guilty due to insanity.

Legal Proceedings

• Trial Delays

  • Trials can be delayed for years if an individual is deemed unfit to stand trial.

  • Gein’s trial was delayed for ten years due to his competency.

  • After spending a decade in a mental institution, his trial lasted a week.

• Trial Results

  • Gein was found not guilty by reason of insanity, leading him to psychiatric confinement instead of a prison sentence.

Key Legal Concepts

• Insanity Defense

  • The legal principle that a defendant can be deemed insane yet still acknowledge the consequences of their actions.

  • Insanity does not automatically absolve one from accountability; understanding of actions plays a role.

• M'Naghten Rule

  • A legal standard for insanity, focusing on whether the defendant could distinguish between right and wrong.

  • In Gein's case, the trial was decided without a jury, just by a judge under this rule.

Criminal Activities

Ed Gein's Crimes

• Victims and Evidence

  • Confirmed to have killed two known victims, but evidence suggests he may have killed more people, including possible involvement in his brother's death.

  • Known for grave robbing and keeping body parts in his home, motivated by a desire to resurrect his deceased mother.

Mental State and Motivations

• Background and Influences

  • Raised by an unstable mother who instilled severe beliefs about sex and morality. This affected his worldview and led to problematic behavior post her death.

  • His actions included necrophilia, indicating deep psychological issues following his mother’s passing.

Group Presentation Discussion

• Key Takeaways:

  • Group members to share two significant takeaways; differing opinions on whether Gein was guilty or insane.

  • Comparisons regarding criminal behaviors and legal outcomes of involved figures.

• Informal Presentation:

  • Discussion includes thoughts on the complexity of mental illness in the context of criminal behavior and justice.