NCJ Number
102256
Date Published
Unknown
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This paper presents neuropsychiatric evaluation findings for 15 death row inmates having imminent execution dates.
Abstract
The subjects (13 men and 2 women) were sentenced to death in 5 States between 1976 and 1984. They were selected because of the imminence of their executions rather than evidence of neuropsychopathology. All subjects received psychiatric evaluations by a board certified psychiatrist. In addition to the identification of psychodynamic factors and mental status evaluations, detailed medical, family, social, and educational histories were obtained. Previous psychiatric records were obtained when possible, and clinical reports from defense and prosecution experts were reviewed. Batteries of psychological tests -- including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, the Bender-Gestalt test, and the Rorschach test -- were performed on 11 subjects. Psychoeducational assessments were performed for eight inmates. All had histories of severe head injury, 5 had major neurological impairment, and 7 had other less serious neurological problems. Six subjects had schizophreniform psychoses antedating incarceration, and two others were manic depressive. The U.S. Supreme Court has mandated separate sentencing hearings in capital cases. Any evidence of mental disease or defect, including any evidence of central nervous system dysfunction, constitute mitigating circumstances to be considered in such hearings. It may be that death row inmates are less capable than other offenders in either obtaining competent counsel at trial or in assisting attorneys in documenting neuropsychiatric impairments. Tabular summaries of findings and 22 references. (Author abstract modified)