In 2001, a woman named Andrea Yates drowned her five children as a result of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. In this case, Yates admitted to the crimes, but her defense team argued the murders were a result of insanity. Yates was originally convicted and sentenced to life in prison, but after an appeal, she was found not guilty by reason of insanity. As a result, she was moved from Harris County Jail to the Rusk State Hospital for psychiatric treatment. The justice system functioned properly in this case because Andrea Yates received a fair trial, and she was able to appeal her conviction. In my opinion, this was the correct decision because Yates was clearly not mentally stable during the time of the murders. What is your opinion on this case? Do you think the justice system functioned properly?
I believe that her insanity took over her actions. Not saying that it was her fault, because everyone in her family knew that she wasn't capable of of being alone. They always had someone taking care of her. Her family shouldnt have let her alone with her kids.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I understand why they left her alone, but I think it was irresponsible and reckless.
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