CRIMINALS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Sir,—l am sure that five minutes in an asylum would convince "Reform" of the vast difference between insanity and crime. The suggestion is an experiment, like much New Zealand legislation. The moment you recommend a person for mental examination you accuse him of or suspect insanity. That is the law, and it defeats the very purpose you have in view—rehabilitation. Instantly will-power, self-deci-sion, and the right to manage your own affairs Ate taken away, may not self-respect be endangered? Insanity, in this respect, is essentially different from other diseases, and crime. The term "sick" is too vague and general. ordinary diseases your doctor seeks••- the- cause and symptoms. You 'are consulting the doctor about bicycle-stealing. What is meant by "sick"? Is there a pain in the stomach or somewhere? Or is it mentally sick that is meant?— Yours, etc., G. M. BRETT. December 5, 1945.
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Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24744, 8 December 1945, Page 5
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149CRIMINALS AND MENTAL HEALTH Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24744, 8 December 1945, Page 5
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