Artificial Sanity

A Case Study for a Class in Introductory Psychology

By Sheila O’Brien Quinn

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.

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Date Posted

06/23/2005

Overview

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 Singleton

Subject Headings

Psychology

Sociology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Social justice issues, Legal issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion, Dilemma/Decision