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Mentally Ill in Criminal Justice Sysytem

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Mentally Ill in Criminal Justice Sysytem
The criminal justice system ignores the mentally ill, and by not treating them differently, causes more crime and discomfort for the citizens of the United States. The term mentally ill is defined by “any of various psychiatric disorders or diseases, usually characterized by impairment of thought, mood, or behavior” (mental illness). Although there are many disorders and diseases that can fit into this definition, schizophrenia is the most significant. The focus then should be on people who have schizophrenia since “schizophrenia is the most persistent and disabling of the major mental illnesses” (World fellowship). What makes schizophrenics individuals in more need of being targeted by the criminal justice system than others is the symptom anosognosia. Anosognosia is when a person does not believe they are ill, therefore, to their understanding, any medication, especially if there is a side effect, is unnecessary (Anosognia- Fast Facts). A patient with depression can understand they need to take the medication the doctor prescribed to get better, a patient with schizophrenia and anosognia will not be able to connect that logic. Without the medication to control mental diseases, people with mental illnesses are more prone to enter the criminal justice system and use up resources. It is the criminal justice system’s duty to protect citizens while not wasting resources and when “schizophrenia is a chronic, sever, and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1.1 percent of the United States population,” action needs to be taken to minimize damage according to the National Institute of Mental Health 2010 (Schizophrenia Facts and Statistics). The problem will not go away on its own, and when ignored, tragedy happens. One example of schizophrenia in the criminal justice system is John Bedell’s attempt to attack the Pentagon. John Bedell, who was schizophrenic, had mishaps with the criminal justice system, but was not given help and so his delusions caused him to


Cited: Brichford, C. and Honberg, R. Reviewed Kevin O. Hwang. Schizophrenia and Legal Issues. 2010 March 7 (April 22, 2011) http://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-and-legal-issues.aspx David, L Fellner, J. Correctional Mental Health Report. The prevalence of mental illness in the US prisons. 2007 Jan 14. (April 22, 2011) http://www.bloomingtonalternative.com/node/8128 mental illness Moras, A. Human Rights Watch: The Mentally Ill in U.S. Prisons—A Review. Alaska Justice Forum. The Justice Center. 2010 Aug 23 (April 22, 2010) http://justice.uaa.alaska.edu/forum/21/1spring2004/b1_mentallyill.html Pavle, J and Jacobs, C Schizophrenia Facts and Statistics. International Mental Health Research Organization. (April 22, 2011). http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm Torrey, E.F Torrey, E. F. Out of the Shadows. 1997. John Wiley & Son Inc. New York, New York.
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