Mind Over Matter
Student Name
PSY 270
December 7, 2013 The difference between mental illness and insanity is the knowledge of right or wrong. This is also the second prong of the M’Naghten rule. Someone with a mental illness will generally know the difference between right and wrong whereas a person that is insane cannot differentiate between right and wrong. The M’Naghten rule could not be used to defend the actions of a person who drinks alcohol and then murders someone because the person knows drinking alcohol can alter their thoughts and actions. Therefore the person will know that drinking may put themselves and others at risk before they begin drinking. Rational and guilty means the person was fully aware their actions are illegal and wrong. Guilty but insane means the person was aware their actions are wrong, but they do not have control over their actions due to a mental disorder or disease that causes insanity. Not guilty by reason of insanity means the person had a brief period of time they were deemed insane and they were unable to control themselves and they did something they would not otherwise, normally, do.
If I were deciding this case I would look at all the facts presented. First, Clark said he was going to kill a police officer and went on the fully explain how he was going to do it. The incident occurred just as he said it would. This means this was premeditated. After firing the shots at the officer, Clark disposed of the weapon. This gives the impression he knew what he did was wrong and was trying to hide the evidence then he fled the scene and hid from police to avoid capture. Again, this demonstrates to me that Clark was well aware what he did was wrong. I believe Clark should be tried by a jury rather than only a judge. I believe Clark was well aware of what he was doing and that it was wrong. There were so many opportunities for Clark to show insanity, but none of the evidence shows he was unaware of what he was doing. The evidence shows me Clark knew exactly what he was doing and that is was wrong.