Monday, June 23, 2003

If Sanity Is Forced on a Defendant, Who Is on Trial?
June 21 New York Times story - "...On Monday the Supreme Court said it was possible, but only in special circumstances. After setting out a list of relevant factors, including the probable effects of the drugs and the importance of trying the case, the court sent it back to the trial court to apply the standards. While the court's ruling settled some legal issues, it did little to resolve the larger philosophical questions in the case: how does one define free thought and individual identity in an age when technology has provided the tools to radically alter them? What is the dividing line between the mind and body? What is the nature of personal autonomy?" [Viewing New York Times resources requires registration, which is free].