Law & Disorder

Free Will

Should Physicians Assist the Seriously Mentally Ill in Death?

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on March 6, 2024

Individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses are held to a different standard in physician-assisted dying.

Individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses are held to a different standard in physician-assisted dying.

Mental Health Stigma

Mental Illness Is an Illness

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on November 30, 2023

The stigma of mental illness has interfered with funding for treatment, housing, and care.

The stigma of mental illness has interfered with funding for treatment, housing, and care.

Depression

Care for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers Keeps Flying Safe

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on October 31, 2023

In the 21st century, we should allow mental health care for our pilots and air traffic controllers that is not punitive but helpful and designed to make the skies safe.

In the 21st century, we should allow mental health care for our pilots and air traffic controllers that is not punitive but helpful and designed to make the skies safe.

Career

Pilots Need Mental Health Care Too

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on August 30, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Pilots should be allowed mental health care when they believe they require it.

A Personal Perspective: Pilots should be allowed mental health care when they believe they require it.

Serial Killers

Why Are We Surprised When We Can't Find Serial Killers?

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on August 4, 2023

The why and how of serial murder torture our minds, especially when serial killers lead such normal lives.

The why and how of serial murder torture our minds, especially when serial killers lead such normal lives.

Mass Shootings

Mental Illness Plus Guns Does Not Equal Mass Murder

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on April 2, 2023

Why you should not believe that a mass murderer always suffers from a mental illness.

Why you should not believe that a mass murderer always suffers from a mental illness.

Law and Crime

Are There Better Ways to Use the Insanity Defense?

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on December 28, 2022

Legal tests for insanity differ by state.  It is time to abolish the traditional legal insanity defense for a bifurcated system.

Legal tests for insanity differ by state.  It is time to abolish the traditional legal insanity defense for a bifurcated system.

Gender

Are American Courts Efficacious?

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on February 7, 2022

"An act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is also guilty.”

"An act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is also guilty.”

Neuroscience data belongs in the courtroom when criminal responsibility is the defense used.

Law and Crime

Is It Time to End the Use of the Insanity Defense?

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on March 26, 2021

The insanity defense exists to make a distinction for people with a mental illness/disability. The intent is to exculpate those who are unable to understand that their act is wrong.

The insanity defense exists to make a distinction for people with a mental illness/disability. The intent is to exculpate those who are unable to understand that their act is wrong.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Forensic Examinations and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on February 25, 2021

There is a high prevalence of debilitating trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms among criminal offenders, both men and women.

There is a high prevalence of debilitating trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms among criminal offenders, both men and women.

Would you rather have a lawyer defend you in court, or do it yourself?

Most alleged perpetrators of felonious crimes are not diagnosed as mentally ill. They may be responding to extreme hatred, blinding revenge, and other emotions that we may all feel.

Looking into the diagnosis and treatment options of sex offenders.

A look into why we find serial killers so captivating.

Sexual Abuse

A Women's History

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on March 12, 2020

The maddening treatment of women by men over time.

The maddening treatment of women by men over time.

Law and Crime

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on February 6, 2020

What does it mean to be found legally insane?

What does it mean to be found legally insane?

Psychiatry

What Does "Not Fit to Stand Trial" Mean?

Susan J. Lewis Ph.D., J.D. on January 9, 2020

Explaining "Competency to Stand Trial," or CST, a common legal term.

Explaining "Competency to Stand Trial," or CST, a common legal term.