Adam Posted April 27, 2011 Posted April 27, 2011 There never seems to be a shortage of opinions here, so here goes. Can a person suffering from dementia be guilty of murder. I don't mean the lame, old excuse of insanity, either.
Chef Jim Posted April 27, 2011 Posted April 27, 2011 There never seems to be a shortage of opinions here, so here goes. Can a person suffering from dementia be guilty of murder. I don't mean the lame, old excuse of insanity, either. Absolutely. Just because they don't rmember it doesn't mean they didn't have intent when they committed the act.
ieatcrayonz Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 There never seems to be a shortage of opinions here, so here goes. Can a person suffering from dementia be guilty of murder. I don't mean the lame, old excuse of insanity, either. I have as much or more respect for old people than anyone and I don't think they are capable of murder. It is not because of their dementia mostly, it is because they are weak and slow. Who are they going to kill that won't kill them first? I am sure there is some "old on old" crime out there but it is mostly denture theft and bingo fraud.
3rdnlng Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 (edited) I have as much or more respect for old people than anyone and I don't think they are capable of murder. It is not because of their dementia mostly, it is because they are weak and slow. Who are they going to kill that won't kill them first? I am sure there is some "old on old" crime out there but it is mostly denture theft and bingo fraud. Tell that to this 98 year old man. (if you could) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35850008/ns/world_news-asia-pacific/ Edited April 28, 2011 by 3rdnlng
3rdnlng Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 (edited) How about this old murder? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1312338/Murder-mystery-1-800-year-old-girl-buried-ancient-Roman-barracks.html Edited April 29, 2011 by 3rdnlng
DC Tom Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 There never seems to be a shortage of opinions here, so here goes. Can a person suffering from dementia be guilty of murder. I don't mean the lame, old excuse of insanity, either. It depends. Basically, if such a person is able to comprehend that their actions would result in death, they are guilty of some crime (homocide, murder, manslaughter). If such a person is able to formulate intent, they are definitely guilty of homocide or murder (depending on the jurisdiction). But if they're not able to understand their actions or formulate intent, criminal guilt usually does not apply. For example: Alzheimer's patient stabs her husband because she doesn't recognize him and thinks he's an intruder in their home - which is not too far off an actual situation I personally know of. Generally, though, such a situation would lead to a civil commitment, since someone that far gone usually needs inpatient care anyway.
Adam Posted April 29, 2011 Author Posted April 29, 2011 Absolutely. Just because they don't rmember it doesn't mean they didn't have intent when they committed the act. So are you saying that they should be charged and punished, like anyone else, or that a murder charge is a viable option?
Chef Jim Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 So are you saying that they should be charged and punished, like anyone else, or that a murder charge is a viable option? They should be charged and during the trial it should be establised whether or not they were cognizant of their actions/intent.
Adam Posted April 29, 2011 Author Posted April 29, 2011 They should be charged and during the trial it should be establised whether or not they were cognizant of their actions/intent. I expect to see a lot of this discussion, in the near future. The explosion of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy from the long neglect of concussions makes it inevitable.
Chef Jim Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 I expect to see a lot of this discussion, in the near future. The explosion of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy from the long neglect of concussions makes it inevitable. I just got a concussion trying to pronounce that. Well I did have two beers at lunch.
Adam Posted April 29, 2011 Author Posted April 29, 2011 I just got a concussion trying to pronounce that. Well I did have two beers at lunch. That in itself is a criminal offense. Lunch has a four-beer minimum
Chef Jim Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 That in itself is a criminal offense. Lunch has a four-beer minimum I save the real drinking for when I'm safe and sound in the city.
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