Blog Post #4

1. Do you think that the mitigating circumstances help defray the heinous nature of the crimes committed? Be sure you explain both the mitigating circumstances and the heinous nature of the crimes. Also be sure to explain why you feel the way you do.

Mitigating circumstances can be seen as circumstances in the scene of the crime, that lessen the severity of the punishment. The heinous nature of crime can be percieved as the "natural hate" that exists when a crime is committed. From my perspective, I feel that their are circumstances that should lessen the severity of punishment. For example if you murder someone in self defense and you are proven to be guilty the severity of the punishment should be reduced. If a man accidentally kills another man in the attempt of taking his wallet the mitigating circumstances should help defray the heinous nature of the crime.

2. Why do you think the prosecutors sought to bring the defendants to trial instead of accepting the guilty pleas? Was the opportunity to execute the defendants too much to pass up? What are the benefits of accepting the offered guilty pleas? What are the negative side effects of going to trial and seeking the death penalty? 

Prosecutors sought to bring the defendants to trial instead of accepting the guilty pleas, becauase they feel the severity of the punishment might be minimized, a bail might be set, or you could be proved innocent. When pleading guilty to the charges, you could be helped in some situations. For example if someone is murdered and their is plenty of evidence against the offender, pleading guilty is the best thing, and could result in the best outcome. Going to trial to seek the death penalty has negative side effects, because the jury and the judge would realize that you have nothing to live for, and therefore they would want to punish you for the crimes committed.

3. Finally, what role do mental health issues play in cases such as these? How should we as a society balance the roles of our punitive justice system and our supportive mental health system?

From my point of view, I feel that supportive mental health systems should be increased in order to help those who continously commit these types of crimes. Jail or prison isn't the solution for these beings  that have serious mental issues.