Singleton v. State

Singleton vs. state is a trial in which the morality of executing a prisoner with a mental illness is being delved into. Charles Singleton committed a murder in his early twenties, and was sentenced to death by the state of Arkansas. However, after the appeals process had died down, Singleton began exhibiting the signs of the dreaded mental disorder schizophrenia. Due to federal law explicitly stating a prisoner with a metal illness cannot receive capital punishment, Singleton was removed from death row. After being put on proper medication, Singleton’s symptoms were under control. Thus, a state judge agreed that the execution could be performed.
Singleton’s lawyer was outraged by the state’s decision. He believed that Singleton shouldn’t receive the death penalty because he was not truly sane. Even though his outward symptoms were generally non-noticeable, his attorney argued that without the proper medication, he was still suffering a mental disorder. The prosecutor argued that because Singleton’s symptoms were not showing, he was sane.
I personally agree that Singleton should have received the death penalty. Schizophrenia can develop in later life, and Singleton committed his heinous crime at a young age. He murdered an innocent civilian, taking away that person’s hopes, dreams, and future, and causing incomparable grief to family and friends. Since his symptoms were being controlled by his medication, I believe the prison should have continued to mandate his medication until his execution date, and continued on with the procedure. Singleton was eventually executed by means of lethal injection at Cummins Unit Prison on Tuesday, January 6th, 2004, after spending twenty three years on death row.