Argumentative Essay: The Insanity Defense

The insanity defense is typically sought in murder trials. Though the insanity defense is rarely used, it remains controversial. However, the debate is clouded by the public’s misconceptions. Many believe the defendant will walk away free. Also, it is believed that the insanity defense is abused. It is important to keep in mind that a lot of events leading up to the murder are not publically known. Therefore, it is wrong to assume that the defense is being contrived. Often times, help is sought out before a heinous crime is committed. It is important to realize that many mentally ill people do not recognize there is a problem. For example, the narrator in Edgar Allan Poe’s, The Tale Tell Heart states, “Now this is the point. You fancy

me mad. Madmen know nothing. But you should have seen me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded – with what caution – with what foresight – with what dissimulation I went to work!” A lot of times mentally ill people refuse to seek help for their issues. The efforts of their families are regularly ineffective. Due to the fact that the family does not fully understand the illness there is a lot of heartache and misunderstanding. Instead of working together, they end up working against one another. It is easier to point the finger and blame than it is to get to the root of the problem. Thus, this allows the mentally ill to spiral deeper into their insanity. They can end up being unfit to function in society. Some mentally ill get to an unimaginable breaking point that causes them to commit horrible crimes. And sometimes that crime is murder. In the midst of the crime the individual loses self-control but afterwards will live in guilt. In the event of a murder committed by a mentally ill individual, a trial will still take place. An insanity defense could be entered as the plea. Aside from the public’s view of this defense, it is legally acceptable. The defendant cannot claim insanity just to elude the trial or punishment. There is an evaluation procedure performed. For example, the defendant is evaluated by a psychiatrist, the facts of the case are taken into consideration, and defendant’s background is checked. Thus, this defense cannot be easily abused. Chances are the defendant will live out the remainder of life in a psychiatric facility, as one is not fit for a maximum prison.