Artificial Sanity
A Case Study for a Class in Introductory Psychology
Author(s)
Abstract
Using the story of death row inmate Charles Singleton, who developed paranoid schizophrenia while in prison awaiting execution, this case study explores the relationship between a society’s concept of mental illness and its treatment of people who are mentally ill. Students are asked to identify the model of mental illness assumed by each of the lawyers in the case and to explain the implications of that model in terms of the defendant’s rights and responsibilities.
Objectives
- To provide students with a concrete example that will focus their discussion of the abstract principle of mental illness.
- To show how each conceptual model directly influences the treatment people with a mental illness receive.
Keywords
Sanity; insanity; right to treatment; concepts of mental illness; mental disorder; insanity plea; maladaptive behavioral repertoire; Charles SingletonTopical Areas
Social justice issues, Legal issuesEducational Level
Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Discussion, Dilemma/DecisionLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Psychology | Sociology |
Date Posted
6/23/05Teaching Notes
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Comments
Elizabeth Davidson
esdavidson@ualr.edu
Nursing
Univeristy of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR
03/26/2011
I think this is a wonderful case study to utilize with my associate degree nursing students in a mental health nursing course. -----------------------------