Peer Review

Not Sick Enough: The Insanity Defense

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Overview:: American RadioWorks presents the compelling story of Kyle Zwack and his experiences in attempting to utilize the insanity defense in criminal proceedings. The material on Mr. Zwack is part of a larger presentation by American RadioWorks on "Jailing the Mentally Ill" produced in 2000. The story of Mr. Zwack is presented in audio and through the use of text in additional to supplemental material such as court transcripts.
Type of Material:: Case study
Recommended Uses:: In class lecture and activities and homework (including group assignments)
Technical Requirements:: Browser, RealPlayer, Adobe Reader
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The site offers a view into the use or attempted use of the insanity plea based on a particular case -- that of Kyle Zwack. The site explores the difficulties in using the insanity plea and getting courts to accept its use even in cases where the defendant may have a significant history of mental illness. The material offered on the site provides a look into the history of mental health laws especially since the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan by John W. Hinckley, Jr.
Target Student Population:: Junior/senior-level high school students, undergraduate students, and the general public with an interest in the topic
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic computer skills. Ability to download RealPlayer if not already available on the computer of anyone visiting the site.

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Strengths:: The site offers a series of text web pages that include photographs and links to additional material in addition to the ability to access the audio file. The visitor can decide to listen to the audio file, to view the web pages, or both to absorb great information. The material provides the case of Kyle Zwack and his attempt to use the insanity plea after suffering hallucinations and delusions in 1986 and shooting at Texas police officers. Material that allow the visitor to examine the judicial and corrections systems in light of defendants with mental illnesses is outstanding though brief.
Concerns:: Since this is a the story of events involving one individual only two states and their approach to the insanity plea and institutionalized mental health treatment is addressed. It is difficult to generalize the material to other states but the story of Mr. Zwack is illustrative of issues involving those with mental illnesses and the criminal justice system.

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Strengths:: The site is extremely easy to navigate and the text material is written in such a way that most people will understand it and will want to view the entire site without stopping. Due to its easy of use the visitor will be able to focus their attention on the material including the application of law to issues that can become highly emotional and controversial.
Concerns:: Since this is a case study of one individual and their experiences with the criminal justice and mental health systems of Minnesota and Texas, there is no attempt to present the material in an academic format. The material is based upon interviews conducted by American RadioWorks.

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Strengths:: This learning object is quite east to use, and its brevity lends itself well to stimulating class room discussions.
Concerns:: The written transcript is not a word-for-word representation of the audio recording. This could cause some users, trying to follow along, to get lost and confused. Lack of citations limits the user's ability to establish the credibility of sources interviewed or contribution to this presentation.