http://www.askdrjones.com/in-the-media/guilty-by-reason-of/ Ask Dr. Jones Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:26:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 http://www.askdrjones.com/in-the-media/guilty-by-reason-of/#comment-1681 jim Mon, 03 Jan 2005 18:24:40 +0000 http://www.askdrjones.com/?p=20#comment-1681 Wayne, I really enjoyed your dec. blogs. You are really writing well. Interesting, humorous, informative, and definitely thought provoking. I thought the one on avoiding conflicts related to old issues with family members during the holidays was especially filled with good advice. I find myself looking forward to each new entry and am disappointed when there is not a new one. Keep up the good work. I think it is excellent practice for the "book". It keeps your writing skills well oiled. Jim Wayne, I really enjoyed your dec. blogs. You are really writing well. Interesting, humorous, informative, and definitely thought provoking. I thought the one on avoiding conflicts related to old issues with family members during the holidays was especially filled with good advice. I find myself looking forward to each new entry and am disappointed when there is not a new one. Keep up the good work. I think it is excellent practice for the “book”. It keeps your writing skills well oiled. Jim

]]> http://www.askdrjones.com/in-the-media/guilty-by-reason-of/#comment-1680 Anonymous Tue, 21 Dec 2004 22:29:40 +0000 http://www.askdrjones.com/?p=20#comment-1680 Dr Jones--Today is the first time I've visited your web site. After reading your personal info, I came to the blog "Guilty by reason of" and was totally blown away by your comments because I, too, suffered postpartum psychosis for nearly 2 years. During that time I tried to bite my son's finger off, but had no way to control myself. Fortunately, the bite was not very severe, but no one except(you) and other postpartum women could understand this situation. I have not even discussed this news story with my husband because it seems futile, and he is a very compassionate man. I have felt guilt over this issue for nearly 30 years and your article has released me. Thanks. Dr Jones–Today is the first time I’ve visited your web site. After reading your personal info, I came to the blog “Guilty by reason of” and was totally blown away by your comments because I, too, suffered postpartum psychosis for nearly 2 years. During that time I tried to bite my son’s finger off, but had no way to control myself. Fortunately, the bite was not very severe, but no one except(you) and other postpartum women could understand this situation. I have not even discussed this news story with my husband because it seems futile, and he is a very compassionate man. I have felt guilt over this issue for nearly 30 years and your article has released me. Thanks.

]]> http://www.askdrjones.com/in-the-media/guilty-by-reason-of/#comment-1679 Mandy Jones Fri, 17 Dec 2004 23:37:52 +0000 http://www.askdrjones.com/?p=20#comment-1679 Part of the problem is the change in the definition of legally insane--a change which was spurred in part by the acquittal of John W. Hinckley, Jr., who shot and wounded President Reagan in the early 80s. Using the standard at the time, the jury found Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity, and the public reacted by questioning the insanity defense. Now, a person who cannot control her actions, but who nevertheless knows that her actions are wrong (legally or morally), is no longer considered legally insane. A person is only legally insane if she does not know that her actions are wrong. A fairly arbitrary standard indeed. Part of the problem is the change in the definition of legally insane–a change which was spurred in part by the acquittal of John W. Hinckley, Jr., who shot and wounded President Reagan in the early 80s. Using the standard at the time, the jury found Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity, and the public reacted by questioning the insanity defense. Now, a person who cannot control her actions, but who nevertheless knows that her actions are wrong (legally or morally), is no longer considered legally insane. A person is only legally insane if she does not know that her actions are wrong. A fairly arbitrary standard indeed.

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