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Capital Punishment of the Mentally Handicapped, 2008.
A review of "Of Mice and Men," written by John Steinbeck and the question of whether mentally retarded individuals should receive capital punishment.
1,445 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the controversial issue of whether mentally retarded individuals should receive capital punishment for criminal offenses. It analyzes the book "Of Mice and Men," written by John Steinbeck, in order to illustrate these points. The paper discusses the outcome in the novel and questions the attitudes that are revealed in the book. It also describes how the character may have been dealt with differently in today's world.
From the Paper
"Many people believe that the mentally retarded should receive capital punishment if they murder a person and can be considered dangerous. Harrison Kane believes that a mentally retarded individual should receive punishment if it is "deemed equitable, just, and proportional if it fits the harm done by the offender and his or her established level of culpability" ((31). Kane states that IQ is a factor in whether a person should receive the death sentence, but it should not be the only factor. Perhaps Kane would have felt that Lennie should receive the death penalty because he could be considered dangerous because he killed a mouse, a dog, and a human. However, did Lennie know that he was going to kill these?"
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The Treatment of Mentally Handicapped People, 2001.
This paper describes the treatment received by mentally handicapped people in western Canada during the years 1812-1914.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a general history of mental illness and treatment thereof and then focuses on the treatment of mental patients in Western Canada in 1812-1914. It explains that one of the main sources for this information was from The Alberta Heritage Digitization Project which is a website documenting Canada's history. It examines the efficiency of such a source and the accuracy of the information.
From the Paper
"Mental illness can be defined as ?a disease of the mind which incorporates any illness, disorder or abnormal condition which impairs the human mind and its functioning, excluding however self-induced states of alcohol or drugs as well as transitory mental states such as hysteria or concussion? (Saunders, 1996). Mentally handicapped people and the challenges that they experience can be found under section 16 of the Criminal Code. One can see that the definition makes it clear that for an accused to be mentally challenged he/she must not be able to think clearly at the time of the offense and so had no idea about the nature of the act that he/she was committing. This explanation can be extended to other walks of life where mentally handicapped people often carry out tasks that are deemed unsuitable by the society but they have no idea about the inappropriate nature of those acts. In Canada the law requires that the accused persons should have fully knowledge of the act and that what they did was inherently against the law. It has often been assumed that those people suffering from a mental disorder usually turn out to be criminals."
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Capital Punishment and Mentally Retarded, 2002.
This paper examines both sides of the argument regarding the death penalty for mentally retarded prisoners, focusing particularly on death penalty cases in Texas.
1,758 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
The first part of the paper looks at the legal standards for mental retardation. In the second part, the paper details the criticism against these standards and evaluates the other arguments for allowing the execution of the mentally retarded. The third part of the paper looks at the arguments against capital punishment for criminals who are proven to be mentally deficient. In the conclusion, the paper evaluates how the Supreme Court?s ruling reflects a shift in societal attitudes regarding capital punishment and mental retardation.
From the Paper
"Mental retardation is a medical condition characterized by impaired or incomplete mental development. With early diagnosis, a mentally retarded person can learn coping and life skills. However, there is no cure for mental retardation. There are three widely-used criteria to determine mental retardation. First, the condition causes significantly lower than average leves of intellectual function. Second, this limited intellectual function is often accompanied by related limitations in other adaptive skill areas. Finally, these conditions manifest themselves by the age of 18."
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Capital Punishment for the Mentally Retarded, 2002.
A study of the death penalty for mentally retarded criminals.
890 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper argues the numerous reasons why the death penalty for the mentally retarded is inappropriate. It demonstrates that mental retardation prevents the disabled from logically assessing the pros and cons of their actions. The paper illustrates that international human rights groups urge nations not to impose death penalty on people with any form of mental disorder, which includes mental retardation and the mentally ill.
From the Paper
"The Supreme Court of the United States, in a landmark ruling on June 20, 2002, prohibited the executions of the mentally retarded declaring it as violation of the eighth amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The Court decision came in the Atkins vs. Virginia case and in the opinion of many not a day too soon. While the taking of a life by anyone including the state is a debatable issue, subjecting the mentally retarded to the maximum punishment was an aberration in a civil society that has been set right by the decision."
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Sterilization of the Mentally Handicapped, 2006.
A position paper arguing that it is immoral and an infringement of civil rights to sterilize the mentally disabled.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 7 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a case study of Leilani Muir who learned during her twenties that she could never have children. She was unable to have children because six years earlier, in 1959, she had been sterilized under an Alberta government Act that qualified her for sterilization when she was admitted to a provincial training school for mental defectives. The paper explains that at the same time that Muir was sterilized, other mentally disabled women and men also endured other research procedures concerned with reproduction. The paper then goes on to argue that the sterilization and confinement that Muir suffered is clearly immoral and were an infringement of her civil rights.
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Capital Punishment and Mental Illness, 2002.
Examines issues of culpabilty and institutionalization surrounding the death penalty meted out to the mentally retarded and the mentally ill.
4,900 words (approx. 19.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 178.95
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Abstract
This paper shall examine and qualify the issues surrounding the imposition of the death penalty onto the mentally retarded and the mentally ill. Within this paper, the phrase mentally ill shall be applied to those who are of normal intelligence yet who suffer from mannerisms or behaviors that alter their perceptions. The phrase mentally retarded shall be applied to individuals who suffer from conditions that result in lower intelligence and comprehension levels. This issue is loaded in terms of issues surrounding the morality of the situation: The fundamental question at stake within this particular issue is whether or not the mentally ill and the mentally retarded can be punished in the same manner as those who commit the same crimes and are considered to be of normal mental stability and functionality.
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Punishing the Mentally Ill, 2007.
This paper discusses the punishment of crimes committed by the mentally ill.
2,040 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses criminal law and insanity. The writer notes that criminal law regulates behavior in society by punishing those who violate the penal code by committing a crime or offense. The writer points out that the legal test of insanity has changed through the past hundred years from social influences rather than scientific advances and insanity pleas have rarely succeeded. This indicates the general community standpoint that mental disease may motivate, but does not excuse, a crime, that the offender may simply fake being mad and that the mentally ill are a threat to the community. The writer concludes that the establishment of widespread systems should effectively address the required needs, such as assertive community programs, which would reduce criminalization in the country both by improving these services in the community and by providing appropriate treatment and support in the criminal justice systems.
From the Paper
"Of the more than 1,000 men and women put to death in the US by the end of December 2005, dozens had histories of serious mental illness before they were sentenced or by the time of their execution. Some were mentally retarded or suffered from mental illness or both. Their mental illness was mainly due to extreme childhood abuse, violence in prison, inherited or developed or made worse by their stay on death row. In many cases, a defendant's competence to stand trial has been seriously doubted as to whether he or she genuinely understands the nature and severity of the proceedings set against him or her or the capability to assist and cooperate in his or her defense. He or she may not possess the required competence to plead guilty or waive trial counsel. Some defendants are also said to have committed the crime in order to get a death sentence. Inadequate representation may evade the existence or the extent of mental impairment in the defendant. In other cases, defense lawyers do not have sufficient resources against the prosecution, the defendant's failure to cooperate may appear to the jury as a lack of remorse, or the defendant may refuse to reveal vital information on account of a suspicion of conspiracy against him or her."
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Capital Punishment, Impractical Punishment, 2000.
This paper examines the moral, political and biblical standpoints with regard to the death penalty..
1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This essay is an argumentative paper which states both sides of the death penalty controversy and is opposition to capital punishment. The author chooses multiple points for, and against, the use of capital punishment regarding moral, ethical, and biblical standpoints.
From the paper:
?From the beginning of recorded history, there has always been a great deal of controversy over the concept of capital punishment. Is it moral? Is it a deterrent to crime? Is it effective? Is it efficient? Is it cruel and unusual punishment? These are all questions that we ask when discussing such a delicate topic. There are a wide variety of reasons as to why people are for or against the death sentence. Some are reasoned; others are purely emotional. From my point of view, capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime, and I don?t believe it should be in use today.?
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Capital Punishment, 2002.
This paper discusses the issue of sentencing mentally handicapped criminals with the death penalty.
2,730 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of one aspect of the controversial topic of capital punishment. The writer explores the ethics of sentencing mentally handicapped people to the death penalty. S/he presents both sides of the argument and ends with the conclusion that it is not ethical, because of their inability to understand the seriousness or the consequences of their actions.
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Precipitave Behavior
Putting it Together
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The issue of capital punishment has maintained its center stage position in the debate arena for many years. At times, the nation supports its use, and believes it can serve as a useful deterrent to would be criminals. At other times the nation swings toward abolishment in the hopes that treating humans more like humans will encourage criminals to use more compassion and not hurt others. For many years the debate has raged and the support for the death penalty has been given and taken away. Regardless of the nations stance at any given time regarding the death penalty there is always a heated debate about who should be executed. Whether or not to execute those who commit capital crimes but are mentally retarded has been a very sensitive issue. Mentally retarded adults present a special challenge to the judicial system(Hayes, 1997)."
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Executing the Mentally Retarded, 2002.
A paper which argues against capital punishment as a form of punishment for the mentally impaired.
2,477 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
The paper gives a history of the death sentence in America, examining states such as Texas where it is is used more frequently than other states. The paper then examines the issue of executing criminals whose IQ's are low and who are obviously mentally impaired, using the example of Ricky Ray Rector, executed in 1992 in Arkansas, as an example. The paper discusses the laws and guidelines laid down by the constitution on this matter, as well as the stand of the American Association for Mental Retardation (AAMR) which is obviously against executing the mentally impaired. The paper shows the criteria AAMR have to define someone who is retarded. Finally, the paper concludes by arguing against the death sentence for anyone proven mentally impaired.
From the Paper
"Like Ricky Ray Rector, the man who asked the guards to save his dessert so he could eat it after his execution, these people just don't have the mental capacity to fathom what is happening to them. The only 'good' point, if there is one, is that they are not scared to die because they don't really understand what it means to be executed. One man even said that he wanted to "be God's gardener and take care of the animals" (Several, 2002).
While it's good that these people are not frightened, that still doesn't make their execution right. It should be stopped, but lawmakers have not worked hard enough to make that a reality just yet. It's unfathomable to many people how the government can look into the eyes of someone who is profoundly mentally retarded and then have them killed. These people are from all walks of life, ages, and races. Their only commonality is their mental disability, and that makes them vulnerable to our justice system."
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Animals and The Handicapped, 1995.
This paper examines scientific research about animal intelligence and communication in relation to human language development so that the animals can assist the mentally and physically handicapped.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 9 sources, $ 63.95
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From the Paper
"Animals possess sight and auditory abilities, but lack language; nevertheless, they are capable of thought. Granted, the development of language is often used as a gauge of mental aptitude in humans: "Language competence is intimately tied to, or maybe even definitive of, our concept of human mentality" However, while language is an asset which enables people to conceptualize their world, it is by no means a necessity. This is demonstrated by the ability of physically handicapped persons (e.g., the deaf) and mentally handicapped persons (e.g., victims of cerebral palsy) to communicate using symbols. It is also demonstrated by the reliance on kinesics, body language, in young children. Numerous studies attest to the ability of apes and baboons to communicate using symbols and body language. These studies are the first ... "
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Executing Mentally Ill Criminals, 2006.
This paper examines the controversial and much debated issue of executing mentally ill individuals who were sentenced to death in capital punishment trials.
2,394 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper presents a detailed examination regarding the execution of mentally ill criminals. The writer explores case law, as well as moral issues when it comes to medicating the mentally ill with anti-psychotics so they are well enough to be executed. This paper analyzes the verdicts in several death sentence trials, including the cases of Ford vs. Wainwright and Singleton vs. Norris. In 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the execution of the mentally incompetent violates the 8th Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. A prisoner cannot be executed unless sufficiently competent to understand the nature and reasons for his punishment. This paper also details the recent 6-to-5 decision and the first ruling of its kind, in Singleton vs. Norris, that a mentally ill prisoner may be involuntarily medicated with anti-psychotic drugs to restore his competency for execution. The author examines the issue of executing the mentally ill after forcing them to take medication which has been upheld in several U.S. courts . The logic behind such decisions is flawed for several reasons, which are detailed in this paper.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Getting Worse Before it Gets Better
Works Cited
From the Paper
"The execution of the mentally ill after forcing them to take medication has been upheld in several US courts. The logic behind such decisions is flawed for several reasons. The mentally ill who are so disordered that they cannot function are not forced to stand trial, nor are they required to answer for their crimes. They are allowed an insanity defense that allows them to seek treatment and eventually apply to be released back to society. It does not make sense, that a mentally ill person can be force fed medications so that they become sane enough to be executed, if defendants cannot be force fed medications for the purpose of understanding their crime and standing trial. The health care industry is built on not harming others."
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Capital Punishment, 2002.
A study of the viability of capital punishment in the United States.
1,025 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the capital punishment in the Untied States, and argues through statistics and philosophy that it is unjust. It describes that the death penalty is a cruel and unusual punishment for the young or mentally deficient. It illustrates that most modern countries have abolished the death penalty. The paper uses Hobbes' concept that "everyman has a birthright to his life" to support it's argument.
From the Paper
"According to Amnesty International, more than half of all the countries in the world have already abolished the death penalty ? either in law or in practice: 74% of these countries and territories have eliminated it as punishment for all crimes. An average of more than three countries a year have abolished it in the last decade, and once abolished, it is seldom re-introduced (Amnesty International). "
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Death Penalty for the Mentally Challenged, 2002.
An essay that argues against the recent Supreme Court decision on the execution of the mentally retarded.
930 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper opposed the 2001 U.S. Supreme Court decision to prohibit capital developmental delay capital punishment for the mentally retarded. It objects to the Court leaving the States power to define who is mentally retarded, instead of looking at who is capable of standing trial.
From the Paper
"It was on Friday 2001 when the Supreme Court took the final decision of prohibiting or banning the capital punishment of the mentally retarded. There were around fifteen states out of the 38 states that excused the mentally retarded from its reach, as done by the federal government. While, on the other hand, the remaining thirty-eight states had permit death penalty (Wilson, 2002). However, lately a group of retired American diplomats insisted the Supreme Court to ban such executions in general, and argued that the lack of such a ban "will strain diplomatic relations with close American allies (Fournier, 2002)."
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The Moral Dimensions of Punishment, 2005.
A philosophical and ethics-based debate on the moral justification of punishment by the state.
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the moral implications of punishment within the judicial system. The paper focuses on three areas of punishment: capital punishment, imprisonment in maximum security facilities, and the surveillance of sex-offenders. The writer concludes that although the criminal must be held responsible and accountable for his/her crimes against society, as human beings, we should ask ourselves whether or not it is morally right to punish our fellow man, and whether this punishment puts us on the same moral level as a criminal who punishes his victim.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Capital Punishment
Maximum Security Confinement
The Surveillance of Sex Offenders
Conclusion
From the Paper
"More recently, law enforcement officials and state governments have begun surveillance programs for sex offenders in the form of ankle bracelets which monitor their every move or perhaps house arrest with constant video camera surveillance. Since the majority of these sex offenders target children as their victims, the morality of such surveillance is redundant, for it has been shown that surveillance techniques decrease the incidents of sexual crime and thus make our communities safer for children."
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