Abstract
A representative sample of public opinion was investigated concerning the processes by which the public accepts/rejects homicide defendants’ mental illness legal defenses. Lesser acceptance of a mental illness defense was associated with: (1) political conservatism; (2) traditional or orthodox religious beliefs; and (3) a “free will” rather than a “determinism” philosophical stance.
Mental health professionals were accorded little influence in the public's determination of their positions on the mental illness defense. However, for those who did not have strong opinions on the mental illness defense, mental health professionals were defined generally as having significant influence on their decisions.
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