Discussion

Case Study 2 (Health): The criminal justice system is seeing an increase in the number of people suffering from mental health illnesses. When a mentally ill person is found guilty of a crime, there is often a decision to be made about whether that person belongs in jail or in a treatment facility. Many argue that forcing involuntary treatment upon those suffering from mental health illnesses is a violation of a person’s civil rights; therefore, when a person is found guilty of a crime that warrants jail time, it does not matter if he/she is suffering from a mental health illness. The person should serve time in jail without being forced to receive mental health treatment. Others argue that those suffering from mental illnesses are unable to make appropriate decisions about seeking treatment on their own; therefore, the judicial system is helping those suffering from mental health illnesses by requiring them to get treatment. Should those suffering with mental health illnesses, who are found guilty of a crime, be forced to receive medical treatment? Why or why not? Write a 250-word persuasive paragraph in support of or in opposition to this issue. When writing your paragraph, consider any one of the articles on health, located in the Week 1 Learning Resources. How might the author’s overall argument within your article choice tie in with this discussion? Make connections within your paragraph.