1.
3-2 Discussion: Insanity or Not?
Lacey is involved in a violent marriage for five years. One
night, after her husband pushes her down the stairwell and
proceeds to continuously beat her, Lacey shoots him. She calls
911, reports the crime, and asks for an ambulance. At the
hospital, a detective interviews her and notes that she appears to
be quite calm when explaining what happened. Lacey admits to
killing her husband but claims that it was a cycle of abuse and
that she was scared for her life. The prosecutor confers with the
detective and charges Lacey with murder in the first degree.
If you were Lacey’s defense attorney, what defenses would you
use?
Review the law on insanity in your state. Based upon the laws
of your state, can she use an insanity defense? In your reply
posts, compare and contrast the law in your state with the laws
your classmates discuss.