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Death Penalty and Mental Illness: Ethical Implications in the Case of Scott Panetti

đź“„ Words: 354
đź“ť Subject: Legal Ethics
đź“‘ Pages: 1
✍️ Type: Essay
Table of Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Mental Illness and the Death Penalty
  3. Conclusion
  4. References

Introduction

Scott Panetti’s case, which involves the death sentence and a psychotic disorder, highlights a challenging issue that does not have a clear-cut solution. It raises the question of whether it is ethical to put on death row inmates who are mentally ill and unable to fully comprehend the gravity of their actions and punishment (Whitbourne, 2017). People struggling with psychological disorders who cannot grasp the gravity of their wrongdoing or punishment should not be sentenced to death.

Mental Illness and the Death Penalty

Individuals unable to comprehend the impact of their actions should not face punishment due to their mental illness. An individual’s capacity to make logical judgments is challenged, and comprehending the nature and impact of their acts becomes difficult. Therefore, the death sentence is not a suitable punishment. According to Murrie & Winters (2022), the execution is unsuitable for those with extreme psychological disorders like schizophrenia. These individuals may not grasp the nature and effect of their actions, implying no intention to commit the offense, and thus may not comprehend the reason for their punishment.

Subjecting someone to the death penalty is an incredibly harsh punishment that should only be meted out to those who can grasp the gravity of their actions and the reasoning behind their sentence. This is especially true for criminals with mental illnesses, as it is cruel and inhumane to administer such a severe punishment to those incapable of understanding the ramifications of their actions (Scheyett & Crawford, 2020). To penalize someone who lacks the psychological capacity to comprehend their crime or the nature of their punishment goes against all ethical and moral principles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the case of Scott Louis Panetti complicates the moral dilemma surrounding justice, the death penalty, and mental illness. It seems inhumane to sentence psychologically inclined criminals to death if they do not comprehend the severity of their actions or the reasoning behind their punishment. Capital punishment should only be imposed on those with a clear awareness of the consequences of their behavior. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the complexities of mental health when determining appropriate sentencing for heinous crimes.

References

Murrie, D. C., & Winters, G. M. (2022). Mitigation across the lifespan forensic mental health assessments in death penalty proceedings. Mitigation Across the Lifespan Forensic Mental Health Assessments in Death Penalty Proceedings. Web.

Schmitt, A., & Crawford, K. J. (2020). Serious mental illness, criminal justice, and the death penalty. Social Work, Criminal Justice, and the Death Penalty, 159–171. Web.

Whitbourne, S.K. (2017). Abnormal psychology: Clinical perspectives on psychological disorders (8th ed.). Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill.

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Reference

LawBirdie. (2026, January 6). Death Penalty and Mental Illness: Ethical Implications in the Case of Scott Panetti. https://lawbirdie.com/death-penalty-and-mental-illness-ethical-implications-in-the-case-of-scott-panetti/

Work Cited

"Death Penalty and Mental Illness: Ethical Implications in the Case of Scott Panetti." LawBirdie, 6 Jan. 2026, lawbirdie.com/death-penalty-and-mental-illness-ethical-implications-in-the-case-of-scott-panetti/.

References

LawBirdie. (2026) 'Death Penalty and Mental Illness: Ethical Implications in the Case of Scott Panetti'. 6 January.

References

LawBirdie. 2026. "Death Penalty and Mental Illness: Ethical Implications in the Case of Scott Panetti." January 6, 2026. https://lawbirdie.com/death-penalty-and-mental-illness-ethical-implications-in-the-case-of-scott-panetti/.

1. LawBirdie. "Death Penalty and Mental Illness: Ethical Implications in the Case of Scott Panetti." January 6, 2026. https://lawbirdie.com/death-penalty-and-mental-illness-ethical-implications-in-the-case-of-scott-panetti/.


Bibliography


LawBirdie. "Death Penalty and Mental Illness: Ethical Implications in the Case of Scott Panetti." January 6, 2026. https://lawbirdie.com/death-penalty-and-mental-illness-ethical-implications-in-the-case-of-scott-panetti/.