The Death Penalty: James Holmes Case

Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Reference

Introduction

The doctor asserted that the convicted shooter was sullen and silent even though he was good when inquired about how he was faring. Hence, James Holmes was seen as a rational person during his shooting spree at a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado injuring 70 and killing 12 people (Phillips, 2018). His planning, selection of time, weaponry, location, and implementation were detailed.

Discussion

Holmes is rational beyond any substantial capacity because he discerned what is right from wrong and everything was deliberate. The two court-appointed psychiatrists explained to the jury that the defendant was sane, but mentally ill that night. In Colorado, if an insanity plea is established, the defendant is presumed insane and the prosecution is tasked with proving it right or wrong. However, the insanity defense could have failed because of his guilt for first-degree murder. Despite being diagnosed with schizophrenia, he understood that he was carrying out that night and that was wrong (Hafemeister, 2019). Therefore, mental illness was insufficient to spare him from taking responsibility for the crimes committed.

Based on my thoughts, Holmes was insane because of the medical reports from the doctors. The money saved could be spent on improving the criminal justice system, such as increasing public safety or providing resources to help prevent wrongful convictions. Research proves that the death penalty is ineffective, it does not deter crime, and it is extremely expensive to administer (Pelli, 2020). While most incarcerated individuals on death row or otherwise are guilty, they cannot risk executing the innocent individuals wrongfully sentenced to death.

Conclusion

The Sixth Amendment claims to implicate the right to a jury trial brought by defendants who were sentenced to death for committing murder (Hafemeister, 2019). The death penalty does not violate the Sixth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment. However, the Sixth Amendment does shape certain procedural aspects regarding when a jury can use the death penalty and how it must be carried out.