[News] Using epilepsy as a criminal defense

[Rae1889]

Well Canada has had its first criminal judgment placed against a man with epilepsy. Im not sure whether or not to be okay with this descision or not, as it doesnt say what seizure he had, although it does say they are nocturnal. Read on and see.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/not-responsible-for-killing-nun-84557277.html

comments would be nice, because I dont think that this defense was accurate.

 

[epileric]

I don't know about the judgement but I didn't like the way some media reported that he also had psychiatric problems hence associating the epilepsy with them (the psych probs)

 

[Rae1889]

yeah. its vague, but the information they did say seems very odd. like he is trying to cover for it and the proscuters didnt do their homework very well. i dont think you could do that during a complex partial. especially because movements are slower and not deliberate, but more automaticly random. tugging clothing, walking aimlessly, rubbing your hands together. pacing etc.

and a tonic clonic wouldnt do that because, well its a TC. your not concious nda only have one movements. post-ictal, maybe

 

[CleptaK]

I read about that case also and it certainly made me wonder if it was fact or fiction. It's a bit suspect, me thinks...

 

[Bernard]

There are reports in E forums of people doing all kinds of strange things during CPs or when post ictal including stripping off clothes in public and rage attacks on anyone nearby. I suppose it's not entirely impossible for epilepsy to be responsible in this case. Very sad either way.

 

[Rae1889]

yes, well i can vouch for the stripping of clothes