CJA 354 Week 2 Discussion Questions

Discussion Question 1

1. Research the Andrea Yates case, in which a mother suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) killed her five children. 

• Do you feel that PPD should be a defense to murder or manslaughter? Explain. 

• Do you think Ms. Yates received a fair sentence? Explain. 

2. Research the prosecution of Jared Loughner for the shooting of Representative Gabrielle Gifford’s of Arizona. 

• How does competency to stand trial play into this case? Explain your answer. 

• Do you think Loughner is competent? Explain your answer. 

For more info visit CJA 354 Week 2 DQ 1

Discussion Question 2

According to Schmalleger, Hall, and Dolatowski (2010), a syndrome is “a complex of signs and symptoms presenting a clinical picture of a disease or disorder”. They also define a syndrome-based defense as a “defense predicated on, or substantially enhanced by, the acceptability of syndrome-related claims”. Use the foregoing definitions to respond to 

• Review the concept of syndrome-based defense enhancements; 

• Discuss whether a syndrome should be considered an excuse, a justification, or an explanation; and 

• Discuss whether syndromes can best be seen as (1) potentially negating mens rea, (2) widening traditional defenses, or (3) a way of justifying behavior classes or groups of people.

To check the answer visit CJA 354 Week 2 DQ 2

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