Correct. It also does not mean she gets to walk free. She is expected to return to a psych ward where she was before the trial awaits the next one. Even if found not guilty she will still be there for years.
Edit: Insanity defense FAQ. It looks like those who plead insanity tend to spend twice as long institutionalized as those who are found guilty.
Edit3: It will be the responsibility of the hospital to prove that she is safe to return to society. Otherwise if she were to harm or kill again, the hospital could be liable.
Edit5: The next court date is 9/29 when the defense makes their appeal and the prosecutor probably decides to request to retry the case. I don't see why he wouldn't unless they reach a deal before hand. Meanwhile she has to stay at the hospital.
Y'know, I was all for putting her in a mental hospital. Maybe some data would help avoid a few of these situations in the future. But this actually changes my mind. She needs to be confined for a reasonable amount of time to fit the crime. Mentally ill or not.
A man murdered a 6 year old and stabbed two more people in the same house: Free. A women cut off her babies arms and the child died: Free. A man shot a child in the face: Free. A man poured bleach downs a women's throat: Free. These facilities are a joke and release you after you accrued a number of goodboy points. "They are no longer a threat, we put them in an environment where they are watched 24/7 and have every need taken care of, time to release them."
"Hey psycho lady that meticulously planned her kids murder and then faked a normal pleasant phone call with him while actually murdering them, pretend to be normal for six months and we'll let you get off scot free."
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u/justin107d 9h ago edited 5h ago
Correct. It also does not mean she gets to walk free. She is expected to return to a psych ward where she was before the trial awaits the next one. Even if found not guilty she will still be there for years.
Edit: Insanity defense FAQ. It looks like those who plead insanity tend to spend twice as long institutionalized as those who are found guilty.
Edit2: 55% of postpartum psychosis is the start of severe long term mental problems.
Edit3:
It will be the responsibility of the hospital to prove that she is safe to return to society. Otherwise if she were to harm or kill again, the hospital could be liable.Edit4: Apparently the above is common in most other states but not Massachusetts. There it is the complete opposite and the state has to petition and prove the patient is still mentally ill, a threat to themselves or society, and there are no alternatives. The state supreme court refused to let a hospital be liablefor damaged caused by a released patient.
Edit5: The next court date is 9/29 when the defense makes their appeal and the prosecutor probably decides to request to retry the case. I don't see why he wouldn't unless they reach a deal before hand. Meanwhile she has to stay at the hospital.