Criminal Insanity essays

Criminal Insanity essays "Some traits or dispositions are inherited, but the continuity of behavior, including antisocial activity, is maintained by social contexts and other aspects of the Criminal insanity is a topic which sparks much heated debate. What causes insanity? Is insanity a physical or psychological problem? Is insanity actually a disease, or just a figment of a persons imagination? Groliers Encyclopedia describes insanity as "a mental defect or disorder sufficient to prevent a person from knowing the difference between right and wrong conduct or from understanding the nature of his or her actions." This definition is one which would seem to be a good representation of what insanity truly is. Insanity applies to criminals in an interesting way. If a criminal does not know the difference between right and wrong then can they be held accountable for the crimes they commit? If they don't understand that what they are doing is a crime then should they be punished as if they were criminals or treated as patients with a disease? This problem is one that has plagued courts, lawyers, juries and defendants for a long time and does not appear to be any closer to a solution. A common belief as to why people first become criminally insane is because of the way they were treated as children. Many examples to support this theory can be found throughout history. One example is the infamous Charles Manson. Charles Mansons' home life was anything but normal; he was, in fact, the son of a "teenage, bisexual, alcoholic prostitute, and was once traded for a pitcher of beer" ("Charles..."). Another example is Henry Lee Lucas, a famous serial killer, who "as a child, lost an eye after a severe beating from his mother" ("Serial..."). Finally, Pedro Alonso Lopez, believed to be the key player in over 300 murders was "kicked out of his house when only 8 years old" ("Serial..."). These cases, as well as many oth...

Homo Erectus Colonization in Europe

Homo Erectus Colonization in Europe Geoarchaeologists working on the coast of the North Sea of Britain at Pakefield in Suffolk, England have discovered artifacts suggesting that our human ancestor Homo erectus arrived in northern Europe much earlier than previously thought. Homo Erectus in England According to an article published in Nature on December 15, 2005, an international team led by Simon Parfitt of the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain  (AHOB) project has discovered 32 pieces of black flint debitage, including a core and retouched flake, in alluvial sediments dated to about 700,000 years ago. These artifacts represent the debris created by flintknapping, the manufacture of a stone tool, possibly for butchering purposes. The flint chips were recovered from four separate places within the channel fill deposits of a stream bed which in-filled during the inter-glacial period of the Early Pleistocene. This means that the artifacts were what archaeologists call out of primary context. In other words, fill in stream channels comes from soils moved downstream from other places. The occupation site- the site where the flintknapping took place- may be just a little upstream, or quite a ways upstream, or may, in fact, have been completely destroyed by movements of the stream bed. Nevertheless, the location of the artifacts in this old channel bed does mean that the artifacts must be at least as old as the channel fill; or, according to researchers, at least 700,000 years ago. The Oldest Homo Erectus The oldest known Homo erectus site outside of Africa is Dmanisi, in the Republic of Georgia, dated to approximately 1.6 million years ago. Gran Dolina in the Atapuerca valley of Spain includes evidence of Homo erectus at 780,000 years ago. But the earliest known Homo erectus site in England prior to the discoveries at Pakefield is Boxgrove, only 500,000 years old. The Artifacts The artifact assemblage, or rather assemblages since they were in four separate areas, include a core fragment with several hard-hammer percussion flakes removed from it and a retouched flake. A core fragment is the term used by archaeologists to mean the original hunk of stone from which flakes were removed. Hard hammer means the flintknappers used a rock to bang on the core to get flattish, sharp-edged chips called flakes. Flakes produced in this manner may be used as tools, and a retouched flake is a flake that shows evidence of this use. The rest of the artifacts are unretouched flakes. The tool assemblage is probably not Acheulean, which includes handaxes, but is characterized in the article as Mode 1. Mode 1 is a very old, simple technology of flakes, pebble tools, and choppers made with hard hammer percussion. Implications Since at the time England was connected to Eurasia by a land bridge, the Pakefield artifacts dont imply that Homo erectus needed boats to get to the North Sea coastline. Neither does it imply that Homo erectus originated in Europe; the oldest Homo erectus are found at Koobi Fora, in Kenya, where a long history of earlier hominin ancestors is also known. Interestingly, the artifacts from the Pakefield site also do not imply that Homo erectus adapted to a cooler, chillier climate; during the time period in which the artifacts were deposited, the climate in Suffolk was balmier, closer to the Mediterranean climate traditionally considered the climate of choice for Homo erectus. Homo erectus or heidelbergensis? The Nature article merely says early man, referring to either Homo erectus or Homo heidelbergensis. Basically, H. heidelbergensis is still very enigmatic, but may be a transitional stage between H. erectus and modern humans or a separate species. There are no hominid remains recovered from Pakefield as of yet, so the people who lived at Pakefield may have been either one. Resources and Further Reading Parfitt, Simon L. The earliest record of human activity in northern Europe. Nature 438, Renà © W. Barendregt, Marzia Breda, et al., Nature, December 14, 2005. Roebroeks, Wil. Life on the Costa del Cromer. Nature 438, Nature, December 14, 2005. An unsigned article in British Archaeology titled Hunting for the first humans in Britain and dated 2003 describes the work of AHOB. The December 2005 issue of British Archaeology has an article on the findings. Thanks to members of BritArch for their additions.

LensCrafters Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

LensCrafters Case Study - Essay Example These factors, together with the chain’s value chain and potential challenges are the principal focus of this paper. LensCrafters’ operations strategy and sustainability based competitive advantage LensCrafters was the first optical vendor to promise its customers quality eyeglasses within a short duration of one hour. The chain is able to attain this challenging feat by introducing autonomous onsite optometrists, fully equipped optical laboratories, as well as, a broad range of glasses’ frames at every outlet. LensCrafters’ operations strategy is guided by its mission, which explicitly states that the chain focuses on being the world’s best optical outlet. This happens through creating a loyal customer base, by promoting formation of a dynamic team of leaders and associates, who craft high quality eyewear in just one hour, and deliver superior services that meet customer’s personal needs and preferences (Collier & Vans, 2011). It is clear th at LensCrafters is a distinctive optical chain in marketplace, since it offers full laboratory analysis onsite and is also able to provide the customers with quality eyeglasses or contacts within one hour or even less. This service is coupled with a ninety day guarantee, which allows customers to return their spectacles unconditionally or exchange them, if they do not meet specifications. Additionally, the optical retailer offers an extended protection scheme and optometrists to give customers’ a comprehensive eyes’ examination, while offering them the chance to pay later. This allows them to broaden the customer base, since everyone can afford services provided (Collier & Vans, 2011). In terms of sustainability, the company has a broad range of strategies that give it competitive advantage over rivals in the optometric industry. For instance, LensCrafters has focused extensively on its philanthropic efforts in the diverse societies in which its service outlets are loc ated. An excellent example is the optical retailer’s partnership with Lions Club’s branches to facilitate recycling of used spectacles, in order to help those individuals that do not have enough money to purchase new eyeglasses. This distinctive service is provided not only in the chain’s American domicile, but also in developing countries like South America’s Puerto Rico. This philanthropic act enables the optical dealer to provide its immense expertise to needy individuals. The strategy has brought the company a lot of goodwill among customers, since they know that associating with LensCrafters allows them to reach out to the underprivileged in society. Humanitarian efforts, therefore, gives LensCrafters competitive advantage over other global optical companies. For specificity, the company has programs like â€Å"Give the sight gift†, in which the company offers vouchers to needy customers, for them to acquire free eyeglasses. There is also the â€Å"See more† program, whereby official company vans travel to public schools locally and internationally giving free eye care to kids (Collier & Vans, 2011). Another important aspect is that, LensCrafters’ staff work for longer office hours. This allows them to cater for many customers, in an economic environment characterized by extremely busy work schedules and little free time. The firm also upholds environment protection efforts, an action evident from its eyewear recycling program. All these efforts clearly depict LensCrafters’

Describe Fingerprint photographic technique you would use to recover Assignment

Describe Fingerprint photographic technique you would use to recover such marks following U.K. guidance - Assignment Example In general we have three types of fingerprints mainly latent, plastic and patent prints. Latent prints are formed from oils and sweat from the skin surface. They are invisible to un-aided eye, therefore; they require additional treatments. Patent fingerprints are made from ink, grease, dirt and blood. They are visible to the naked eye. Finally, the plastic fingerprints are in three-dimension, and they are made after pressing the hands on fresh soap, wax or paints. The prints are visible to the naked eye (Houck and Siegel, 2010, p. 29). To improve the visibility of latent fingerprints various lighting techniques can be used to obtain the invisible surfaces. According to Chaikovsky, Argaman, Batman, Sin-David, Barzovski and Yaalon (2005, p. 574), digital multiple exposure technique is applied. The process is simple and productive. Digital photography and computerized image processing with application of layers methodology produce many images that are easily controlled by computer programmes. Production of many images that are combined into a single image enables improved visualization of the selected portions of the latent print without affecting the rest part of the image. According to SIRCHIE (2013, p. 1), Crime scene photos are important in the crime scene inquiry. The photographs complement the investigator data in the form of data. A camera can be used to capture every object of importance within the crime scene. Warren (2014, p. 1), conducted a research to determine usage digital photography for forensic purposes. It was found out that digital imaging devices with spectral filters are very effective in the identification of untreated latent fingerprints in that it is viable and non destructive. According to the National Law Enforcement (2011, p. 6), it is believed that every individual has different body parts hence comparison of the measurements can be used to distinguish between two individuals. The method was developed by

Edgar Allen Poe Essay example -- Biography Biographies Poe Author Essa

Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe was born at 33 Hollis Street, Boston, Massachusetts, on January 19, 1809. Poe’s parents were struggling actors. His father deserted him, and his mother died of tuberculosis when he was three years old. Young Edgar was taken in by a wealthy tobacco exporter by the name of John Allan, from whom he took his middle name. Most of his early life was lived in Richmond, Virginia, with the exception of a five-year period when the Allan family lived in England. His life in England was described as rather uneventful. Poe, even in his early years, had a proficiency for writing poetry. When he moved back to Virginia, Poe grew attached to young girl in his neighborhood named Sarah Royster. They frequently visited, where they sang songs and drew pictures. They were secretly engaged at the time, although their intentions were not made known to the adults of either household (Allen 9). His mid-life began when Poe entered the University of Virginia in 1926. He withdrew less than a year later. Initially, his grades were brilliant, but soon thereafter they began to deteriorate. It is reported that Poe gambled heavily and owed large sums of money to various shopkeepers (Benet 34). He also began drinking quite heavily. Mr. Allan refused to pay Poe’s debts. He also broke off Poe’s engagement to Sarah Royster. Without any visible means to support himself, Poe left for Boston. In the spring of 1827, he arrived penniless and enlisted in the army under the name of Edgar A. Perry. In 1829, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant major. At his own request, was honorably discharged in April of 1829 (Gullete 5). Temporarily reconciled, Mr. Allan secured Poe an appointment to West Point. But still refused financial support. After six months, Poe purposely got himself discharged from West Point, by purposely neglecting his military duties and for disobedience of orders (Encarta [CD-ROM]). Poe then moved to New York, and with the help of some money raised by his West Point friends, he published his first poems in 1831. Poe next took up residence in Baltimore, with his widowed aunt, Maria Clemm, and her daughter, Virginia. He turned to fiction as a way to support himself. The Philadelphia Saturday Corrier published five of Poe’s stories. In 1883, one of his pieces won a fifty-dollar prize given by the Baltimore Sunday advisor (Regan 2,3). In 1... ...il in a story should contribute to the story. Words must not be wasted. Poe’s life was short. He died at the age of forty. He did not appear to waste a moment of his life. He moved from Boston, to Philadelphia, to New York, and to Richmond in the early 1800’s. He even spent five years in London, England. All of these experiences shape his odd life. All of his experiences in his lifetime, including the bad memories, reflected how he wrote his literature. The reader had to understand every aspect of his life to better understand his stories and poems. His writings have been teachings and inspirations for the authors today. Poe is one of the most famous authors in today’s world because of his odd tales, and his eerie life. Works Cited Abbey-Cormier. Magill’s Survey of American Literature New York Marshall Cavendish Corporation Benet, Laura. Young Edgar Allan Poe. New York Dodd, Mead and Company, 1966 Gullete, Alan. â€Å"In the Valley of the Shadow† http://www.creativnet.net/~alang/lit/horror/poebio.htm Microsoft Encarta. â€Å"Edgar Allan Poe† http://owleyes.org.htm Regan, Robert. â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan {poh}† 27 March 2000 http://baud.ubik.ac.at/sg/poe/Bio.html 14 December 2000

Branch and Palm Trees Essay

It was raining, I didn’t like rain. In fact, I didn’t like any kind of weather. That was why I only left my house when I had to. I was just heading to my bed so I could relax and finish the book that I was currently reading, it was about†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦wait, I forgot the name†¦..it was something about a girl who volunteered for her little sister to fight to the death†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.wait! It was called The Hunger Games! Then It was all a blackout and I was sound asleep. I woke up to the sound of crashing waves and the taste of salt and sand grains in my mouth. I opened my eyes, and at first I thought I was dreaming. Somehow, after a while, I could tell it wasn’t a dream. It was real. All I could see was blue salt water crashing on the sand shore in front of me. I stood up and touched the water, it felt fairly warm so I could tell I was somewhere besides California (where I lived at the time). I look over the horizon to see only blue skies. This worries me. I am still in my pajamas that are yellow with green palm trees. I turn around and see a fairly sized island with mostly all palm trees packed together into groups. I start walking to the palm trees, my feelings to what has just happened were kind of jumbled and I was confused. I’m halfway to the closest palm tree when I hear the bushes on my left side rustling. It could be my imagination or it could be the ocean breeze. I didn’t know which. To my surprise, it was neither. I push aside the bush only to see a huge lizard lumber out. I shook that off and continued walking towards the palm trees again. I reach the edge and start walking in. The farther I went in the darker it would get because of the dense vegetation. I had nothing else to do, so I continued walking farther and farther in. I tried carving lines into every tree trunk I passed so I could possibly find my way back. Eventually I gave up on that (It was to much work). The sun was going down and now all I was thinking about was where I was going to sleep. I came up with the idea to make a cushion of some kind and then put it up in a stable tree branch. I took the most comfortable looking leaves, stacked them on top of each other and hoped for the best. I woke up in the morning dazed and I could feel the sun rays beaming across the side of my face and my shoulders. The sun is out, but it’s still freezing. I started looking around for food because my stomach was growling, and to my surprise there was a pile of mangos piled neatly at the foot of a tree trunk. At the moment, I wasn’t thinking about how they got there like that, I was thinking about how delicious they looked. I reach over, grab the best looking one I can find, and shove almost half of it in my mouth and I dropped the second half. There was a haggard looking man walking toward me with a knife pointed toward me. At first he was yelling at me saying things, like it took him 3 days to get the mangos. Then he was questioning me, asking, How did you get here? Where are you from? and what do you want? I told him that I didn’t know how I got here, I was from California, and all I wanted was to go home. He told me that if I was hungry he could provide me with some, but very little food. I thought it was better than nothing so I followed him. He stopped in front of a fairly sized hut made out of palm tree branches and bamboo sticks. It sure did look a lot better then the leaf ‘†bed† I made. He pushes aside the seaweed curtain and proceeded to lead me in. There is no kind of furniture, but I am not surprised. I sit down around the fire he had going. He walks back to the fire with a dead, skinned monkey on a stick. Doesn’t look very appetizing but it’s better than nothing. He holds over the fire and slowly turns it until it is done cooking. He rips off a leg and hands it to me. I reach for it reluctantly. Right away he bites down into the monkey. He must have been very hungry, but so am I. I bite down into the thigh and it tastes a lot better than I thought it would. I am alarmed by the sounds of a helicopter. I rush out to see that helicopter landing on the open beach. Once it had landed I ran toward the window and started banging on it. All I wanted to do was return home. After a while of speaking to the men from the helicopter they told me they actually weren’t looking for me but for the haggard man I was with. He had been on that Island for 4 years! Then they tell me that they will only have room for him. They say that they will have to come back for me later. But how much later? Great.

VSED in Alzheimers Patients - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 702 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/04/12 Category Medicine Essay Level High school Tags: Alzheimer's Disease Essay Did you like this example? Healthcare today has centered its focus on individuals having increased autonomy, especially with medical judgments. Autonomy is a fundamental principle giving individuals the liberty to determine their own actions based on the plan individuals choose for themselves. What happens, however, when one loses their ability to think or speak for themselves because their disease state has progressed so far? What happens when an Alzheimers patient considers voluntary stopping eating and drinking, or VSED, or if their family is making the decision for them as a surrogate? It becomes a moral conflict to provide a way, like VSED, to increase quality of life by ending it prematurely, to end their suffering. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "VSED in Alzheimers Patients" essay for you Create order These decisions are made daily and, like death, are inevitable. We make decisions for ourselves on a daily basis. Many healthcare professionals, especially those who work in long-term care facilities, face the ethical dilemma to feed or not to feed those who are suffering from Alzheimers and dementia. Many questions revolve around what would the loved one want? Will you continue to feed because it will enhance their quality of life? What if stopping feeding will increase their quality of life? Most people, including the patient, the patients family and interdisciplinary team, want to preserve the patients autonomy and control. Facilitating VSED honors the request of autonomy if that is what the patient has chosen. Another benefit of VSED include increasing the familys comfort knowing that it was not their decision to end their loved ones life in this way. Family members experience great amounts of stress when decisions need to be made at the end of life, especially when the decisions are placed in their hands. It also gives family time to cope and have anticipatory grieving. They often wonder if they are doing the right thing and if that is what their loved one would have wanted. Nonmaleficence and beneficence: to do good and to do no harm. Beneficence involves healthcare providers treating patients utilizing ways to provide them with the maximum benefit possible while doing no harm (whether intentionally or unintentionally), or nonmaleficence. In a situation like VSED in Alzheimers patients, healthcare professionals must keep their beliefs and values masked about the situation and continue to provide care, as well as follow the patients wishes. The other side of the argument are the cons of VSED. Some view VSED as a form of suicide due to the definition of suicide†the act of taking ones life voluntarily and intentionally (citation). Many consider VSED as an act of suicide by omission. Some consider VSED a form of physician-assisted suicide (citation). Stated by Jack Kevorkian, As a medical doctor, it is my duty to evaluate the situation with as much data as I can gather and as much expertise as I have and as much experience as I have to determine whether or not the wish of the patient is medically justified. Dehydration and starvation are thought of as forms of neglect, but neglect can also mean not listening to what the patient or their family wants (citation). In many cases, the Durable Power of Attorney can modify the patients decision to stop eating or drinking if they feel like the patient would experience an increase in suffering, pain, and anxiety nearing their death. Others feel as if VSED is neglecting the human body, and that it is not allowing the body to succumb to death upon its own. Is it ethically justifiable for a surrogate to make the decision to refuse food and drinks on a patients behalf? If an individual with Alzheimers loses their capacity, they must rely on their legal surrogate decision maker to either continue or discontinue life-sustaining treatment, like VSED, when the opportunity arises. The patients wishes must be communicated to everyone involved in the decision-making process and care provided to the patient. This decision, however, can affect negatively on the family and the final decision can be a very controversial topic to family members. Keeping the patient alive for sake of family can be looked upon as a pro and a con. If the family chooses not to follow the patients wishes of VSED, family members may continue to grieve or prolong their grieving process.