Often See The Same Excuse For Crimes!!

[cassa333]

I've noticed (on another law site and sometimes here) that an increasing number of people that get caught for something, whether drink driving, shop liftering or assault etc etc make the claim, as a mitigating factor, that they have some form of mental health issue or just started a new medication. From stress at work to full out mental illness.

I know there are people with (some form or other) mental health issues but it seems to be an excuse that is trotted out so that they don't have to take responsibility. But they suddenly realise the behaviour they used was wrong when it comes to 'paying the price' and how they can get out of it!

I could be wrong to think this but I wondered if it is the modern thing of excuse making and not taking responsibility or those with mental health issues actually believe they are not responsible for drink driving, theft or assault etc etc because of their health issues?

[FredPuli43]

Don't think anything has changed. Defendants have always claimed 'stress' as a reason for their actions or blamed medication for behaviour which they claim is out of character. Claiming mental illness only seems to occur when the defendant is an MP who has been fiddling her expenses.