Question 1

________ requires the defense to prove that the defendant was insane at the time of the crime, as opposed to requiring the prosecution to prove that the defendant was sane at the time the crime was committed.

Accepted Answer

The Insanity Defense Reform Act requires the defense to prove that the defendant was insane at the time of the crime, shifting the burden of proof regarding the defendant's mental state from the prosecution to the defense. This act was a response to concerns about the use of the insanity defense and aimed to make it more difficult for defendants to be found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is true about rates of mental disorders in incarcerated populations in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Rates of mental disorders in incarcerated populations in the United States are especially high for serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. This is largely due to the fact that people with these disorders are more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system and less likely to receive appropriate treatment in the community. Rates are also much higher among female inmates than among male inmates. Rates do not vary significantly from year to year, and rates in the U.S. are generally similar to those in other industrialized countries.

Question 3

The specific rules regarding an insanity defense vary from state to state, but some version of the M'Naghten Rule, the ALI or ________ are most common.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The specific rules regarding an insanity defense...

Question 4

Which form of mental health care is most likely to be provided for prison inmates?

Accepted Answer

Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings are common forms of mental health care provided in prisons, especially since substance abuse issues are prevalent among inmates. These programs are relatively easy to implement and can be conducted in group settings, making them practical and accessible options for correctional facilities.

Question 5

In a sixth and most recent reform of the insanity defense, some states have adopted as an alternative to the verdict "not guilty by reason of insanity" the verdict of

Accepted Answer

This verdict allows for the recognition of the defendant's mental illness as a contributing factor in the commission of the crime while still holding them accountable for their actions. It also ensures that the defendant will receive appropriate psychiatric treatment while incarcerated. The other options listed do not provide a sufficient alternative to the "not guilty by reason of insanity" verdict.

Question 6

Which of the following is true about the verdict "guilty but mentally ill"?

Accepted Answer

"Guilty but mentally ill" is a verdict that holds defendants responsible for their actions while acknowledging their mental illness. Proponents argue that it strikes a balance between justice and compassion by recognizing the importance of treating mental illness while still upholding the concept of personal responsibility.

Question 7

Studies of male prison inmates have shown that the most common mental disorders in this population are

Accepted Answer

Studies show that the most common mental disorders in male prison inmates are substance use disorders and antisocial personality disorder. Many inmates have a history of substance abuse, and approximately 80% of male inmates are diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Although anxiety disorders and PTSD can also occur in this population, they are not as prevalent as substance use and antisocial personality disorder. Paranoid personality disorder is also not commonly seen in male inmates.

Question 8

The rules governing the insanity defense suggest that the law takes a ________ perspective on psychological disorders.

Accepted Answer

The insanity defense is based on the premise that a person's mental state, influenced by biological factors, can impair their ability to distinguish right from wrong or to control their actions. This perspective aligns with a biological understanding of psychological disorders, focusing on the physiological and neurological conditions that affect mental health.

Question 9

Men with mental disorders are ________ times more likely to be incarcerated than men without a mental disorder, and women with a mental disorder are ________ times more likely to be incarcerated than women without a mental disorder.

Accepted Answer

Men with mental disorders are four times more likely to be incarcerated, and women with mental disorders are eight times more likely, compared to their counterparts without mental disorders.

Question 10

Which of the following statements is true of mental health care in the justice system?

Accepted Answer

Many mental health treatment programs within the justice system are primarily designed with male inmates in mind, reflecting the larger population of males in the system and historical trends in program development. Female inmates, who often have different mental health needs, may not find these programs as beneficial.

Question 11

Which of the following is true about the verdict of "guilty but mentally ill"?

Accepted Answer

The verdict of "guilty but mentally ill" allows for a defendant to be found guilty while also recognizing their mental illness. This verdict acknowledges the defendant's criminal responsibility despite their mental health issues, differing from "not guilty by reason of insanity," which absolves the defendant of legal responsibility due to their mental state.

Question 12

Jake, a middle-aged man, was arrested with a small amount of cocaine and sent to a court that focuses specifically on such offenders.He is most likely to have been sent to a

Accepted Answer

Drug courts are specialized courts that handle cases involving drug-addicted offenders. These courts focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, offering alternative sentencing options such as drug treatment programs. Therefore, Jake's small amount of cocaine possession is more likely to be handled by a drug court than other options given.

Question 13

Diversion from jail into community-based treatment programs is especially likely to be a goal when the offender is

Accepted Answer

Youth are more likely to benefit from community-based treatment programs rather than incarceration because they are more susceptible to rehabilitation and behavior change. Additionally, incarceration can have a negative impact on a developing youth's mental health and future opportunities. Therefore, diversion from jail into community-based treatment programs is a common goal in the criminal justice system when dealing with youth offenders.

Question 14

Rachel has recently been sentenced to prison.She has a history of substance abuse and other psychopathologies.According to research, which of the following symptoms is most likely to go unnoticed in Rachel?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Rachel has recently been sentenced to prison.She...

Question 15

Courts that focus specifically on drug offenders often are called

Accepted Answer

Drug courts are courts that specialize in handling cases involving drug offenders. They aim to provide a more personalized and comprehensive approach to addiction treatment and rehabilitation, rather than simply punishing offenders. Community courts and mental health courts also exist, but they have broader focuses beyond just drug offenses. Juvenile courts deal with cases involving minors.

Question 16

Which of the following statements is true of mental health courts and drug courts?

Accepted Answer

Mental health courts and drug courts often face controversy because they can coerce offenders into treatment as part of their approach to addressing underlying issues related to criminal behavior. This coercion is seen as a way to ensure compliance with treatment plans, but it raises ethical and legal concerns about autonomy and consent.

Question 17

A verdict of guilty but mentally ill (GBMI)implies that the person should:

Accepted Answer

A verdict of guilty but mentally ill (GBMI) means that the person committed the crime, but at the time of the crime they had a mental illness. As a result, they are considered responsible for their actions but may receive treatment for their mental illness while in prison. Therefore, the best choice is B, that they should receive treatment.

Question 18

The rates of mental disorders in incarcerated populations is ________ higher than in the general population.

Accepted Answer

According to research, the rates of mental disorders in incarcerated populations can be up to three times higher than in the general population. This has been attributed to various factors such as poverty, trauma, substance abuse, and lack of access to appropriate mental health care.

Question 19

Some states have developed ________, in which judges who specialize in working with mental health and social service professionals review the cases of offenders with mental disorders and divert offenders into treatment and rehabilitation.

Accepted Answer

Mental health courts are specialized courts designed to work with individuals with mental disorders who may have committed a crime. Judges who have expertise in mental health and social services work with mental health professionals to divert offenders into treatment and rehabilitation rather than traditional criminal prosecution. Youth courts, juvenile courts, and community courts are different types of specialized courts.

Question 20

Which of the following is a concern raised by mental health professionals about the insanity defense?

Accepted Answer

One concern raised by mental health professionals about the insanity defense is that it requires after-the-fact judgments of a defendant's state of mind at the time of the crime. This can be difficult to determine and may rely heavily on the testimony of expert witnesses.

Quiz 16: Mental Health and the Law