1. During the program Live in Session, Jack Levin discussed his thoughts on workplace violence. Levin is a criminologist, as well as a sociologist with experience on numerous workplace violence cases. Levin clarifies the publics misunderstanding of an individual either being convicted or not convicted of a crime due to insanity. Levin describes how American jurors shy away from finding someone guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity. Levin argues many jurors (as well as the public) have the misunderstanding that finding someone guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity will release the individual into public. Levin argues most convicted by reason of insanity are imprisoned just as long as an offender convicted without a severe mental illness (Levin, 2008). Levin further discusses the difference between European courts in regards to crimes committed by individuals that are mentally ill. European courts are more sympathetic than American courts in regards to crimes committed by the mentally ill (Levin, 2008). 2.
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In the clip, Levin argued that most mentally ill criminals convicted by reason of insanity served around the same (or more) time either in a prison or in a mental health facility than those convicted of a crime that do not have mental health issues (Levin, 2008). I was surprised by this fact; I was under the impression that mentally ill individuals that committed a crime are most likely released after a short treatment period.
3. Our textbook describes that individuals with psychotic disorders are out of touch with reality in fundamental ways, possibly suffering from delusions, hallucinations, or other extreme breaks with reality (Schmalleger, 2015 p 89). Some treatment options described in our textbook are psychotherapy, guide group interaction, behavioral modification, and individual counseling; one of the most effective is cognitive behavioral intervention. CBI enables offenders to modify their cognitive processes to control themselves and interact with others in a positive way (Schmalleger, 2015). In the case of Jason Sutter, his defense argued he did not realize he was actually killing a police officer because he thought it was a “game”. His defense argued he spent most of his time playing violent video games, and that he could not be held responsible because he thought it was game (Schmalleger, 2015). According to this case, the defense argued he lost touch with reality and could not be held responsible for his actions. According to Levin, he argues insane individuals view themselves victims. According to Levin, the killer views themselves as making rational choices even though they are detached from reality (Levin, 2008). Levin further describes how jurors fail to recognize the fact that the insane may appear they are making a rational choice, but the choices they are making are based upon their delusion (Levin, 2008). In summary, Levin asks the public (and jurors) to recognize that the insane may appear to know right from wrong, but the insane are under the impression they are the victims due to their delusional view of the world. 4. Levin describes the profile of a workplace killer as someone who has led a life of frustration and depression. Many are between the ages of 30-50 years old. Levin further describes the individuals as feeling an overall lack of satisfaction with success. Life events such as the loss of a spouse or job may further put the individual over the edge. Levin also mentions the individuals take no accountability for their actions, they see themselves as a victim (Levin, 2008). 5. One myth that surprised me was the myth that mass shootings are on the rise. I feel we have this perception due to the attention they receive when they happen (Fox, 2012). Whenever there is a mass shooting, the media covers the event extensively. We also have wider access to news stories due to the internet. Whenever something shocking occurs, it is covered in print media, television, radio, and through various internet platforms. Another myth that surprised me was that enhanced background checks will keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of these madmen (Fox, 2012). The media frequently reports the importance of making it harder to obtain guns. Many are under the impression that stricter background checks will reduce violence. In reality, many that commit heinous mass shootings have never
In the clip, Levin argued that most mentally ill criminals convicted by reason of insanity served around the same (or more) time either in a prison or in a mental health facility than those convicted of a crime that do not have mental health issues (Levin, 2008). I was surprised by this fact; I was under the impression that mentally ill individuals that committed a crime are most likely released after a short treatment period.
3. Our textbook describes that individuals with psychotic disorders are out of touch with reality in fundamental ways, possibly suffering from delusions, hallucinations, or other extreme breaks with reality (Schmalleger, 2015 p 89). Some treatment options described in our textbook are psychotherapy, guide group interaction, behavioral modification, and individual counseling; one of the most effective is cognitive behavioral intervention. CBI enables offenders to modify their cognitive processes to control themselves and interact with others in a positive way (Schmalleger, 2015). In the case of Jason Sutter, his defense argued he did not realize he was actually killing a police officer because he thought it was a “game”. His defense argued he spent most of his time playing violent video games, and that he could not be held responsible because he thought it was game (Schmalleger, 2015). According to this case, the defense argued he lost touch with reality and could not be held responsible for his actions. According to Levin, he argues insane individuals view themselves victims. According to Levin, the killer views themselves as making rational choices even though they are detached from reality (Levin, 2008). Levin further describes how jurors fail to recognize the fact that the insane may appear they are making a rational choice, but the choices they are making are based upon their delusion (Levin, 2008). In summary, Levin asks the public (and jurors) to recognize that the insane may appear to know right from wrong, but the insane are under the impression they are the victims due to their delusional view of the world. 4. Levin describes the profile of a workplace killer as someone who has led a life of frustration and depression. Many are between the ages of 30-50 years old. Levin further describes the individuals as feeling an overall lack of satisfaction with success. Life events such as the loss of a spouse or job may further put the individual over the edge. Levin also mentions the individuals take no accountability for their actions, they see themselves as a victim (Levin, 2008). 5. One myth that surprised me was the myth that mass shootings are on the rise. I feel we have this perception due to the attention they receive when they happen (Fox, 2012). Whenever there is a mass shooting, the media covers the event extensively. We also have wider access to news stories due to the internet. Whenever something shocking occurs, it is covered in print media, television, radio, and through various internet platforms. Another myth that surprised me was that enhanced background checks will keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of these madmen (Fox, 2012). The media frequently reports the importance of making it harder to obtain guns. Many are under the impression that stricter background checks will reduce violence. In reality, many that commit heinous mass shootings have never