The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Oklahoma pharmacist Jerome Ersland sentenced to life in prison

MLeake · July 12, 2011, 06:18 AM

DRBoyle, what he does NOT look is frightened or highly adrenalized.

He does not give any cues that suggest his behavior would be that of a reasonble person.

The only defense for his actions that I might have bought would have been an affirmative defense for a psychotic break. However, as mental defenses go, I believe the standard in most states is not about overall processing of reality, but rather knowing whether an action is right or wrong.

In that sense, lying about events and motives would suggest knowledge that actions weren't right.

July 12, 2011, 06:18 AM	#37
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	DRBoyle, what he does NOT look is frightened or highly adrenalized. He does not give any cues that suggest his behavior would be that of a reasonble person. The only defense for his actions that I might have bought would have been an affirmative defense for a psychotic break. However, as mental defenses go, I believe the standard in most states is not about overall processing of reality, but rather knowing whether an action is right or wrong. In that sense, lying about events and motives would suggest knowledge that actions weren't right.