Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Insanity Defense Seminar Reflects Tragedy, Pain and Inadequacies of Criminal and Mental Health Systems Page at the NAMI web site - "Contrary to popular perceptions shaped by the media, 'the overall contribution of mental disorders to the total level of violence in society is exceptionally small,' according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health (1999). Similarly, the insanity defense in criminal cases is seldom used and seldom successful. On June 20, NAMI’s national convention in Austin, Texas, convened a special seminar, 'The Insanity Defense: Time for a New Model?' The discussion was especially poignant as a result of presentations from George Parnham, attorney for Andrea Yates, and David Kaczynski, brother of 'Unabomber' Ted Kaczynski..."