This volume provides a clear and compelling introduction to one of the most
controversial topics in society. Focusing on the dynamic interplay among
mental illness, religion, and terrorism, it directs attention to questions of
criminal responsibility raised by the general reader and by students of law,
psychology, religion, neuroscience, terrorism, and public policy.
Questions and examples address:
insanity defense basics and issues of legal responsibility, including
the impact of neuroscience and psychology
disputes about free will and determinism
the balance among mental illness, religion, and law, including
the two trials of the mother who drowned her fi ve children
the defense of men who killed abortion providers
the relation among mental illness, religion, terrorism, and law, including
possible defenses for the Army major who killed thirteen at Fort Hood
motivations of other Islamic, Christian, and secular extremists
the role of brainwashing and the effect of deprogramming, including
their early use with the heiress who joined in terrorist crimes
their influence on cult leaders and followers
Varying responses address
juror comments on their verdicts in two mock trials
what the insanity defense standard should be
whether guilty but mentally ill should be an added test
what role standard, extremist, or individualistic religion should play in the law
whether the insanity defense standard should be different for terrorists
The extensive bibliography directs students and general readers interested in further material to the important world where psychology and law, religion and terror, and public policy interact. This brief and readable book is the first
place to look for what most people want to know about this volatile mix in today’s world.
