A number of states have adopted laws providing for a plea of “guilty but mentally ill” (GMBI) or “guilty but insane” (GBI).
In your informational research paper, discuss what GMBI / GBI mean.
What states have adopted laws for GMBI/GBI?
Why have some states adopted these laws but others have not? What are the “sticking points” to adoption?
What happens when an offender who is found GBMI or GBI is sentenced? Is it done in the same way that those who are not GBMI/GBI are sentenced?
Is treatment given if an offender is GBMI/GBI?
What if a defendant in a state that does not have GBMI/GBI is confined, has an insanity defense, is later deemed “cured” or “no longer dangerous?” Would the defendant be released? Is this different if the state has GBMI/GBI and the defendant is “cured” or “no longer dangerous?” Is that defendant also released?
End the paper with your position on whether more states should adopt GBMI/GBI and your rationale, or if states have made a mistake heading in this direction.
Grading Rubric