Originally posted by docb77
I partially agree with you. The question is though, to what degree are they responsible for their actions?
That is a good question. If you're a psychopath you're unable to grasp other peoples feelings. You're world-view is warped and not in touch with reality. Obviously psycopaths need to be locked away.
Originally posted by docb77
And in a fair system, at what stage of criminal proceedings should insanity be considered? Is the person not guilty? guilty, but not responsible? guilty and responsible, but deserving of a lesser sentence and treatment because of mitigating circumstances?
To me - any person prosecuted for a violent crime is insane. I would rather they be locked up at an insanity asylum indefinetely or until the professionals deemed the person cured of his/her insanity. It depends, of course, on the actual criminal act committed.