Burgess, R. L. (2018). Mens Rea and the Mentally Ill: A critical analysis. Robsoncrim.

A critical analysis of how criminal intent is defined and applied in cases involving mental illness. The paper questions whether existing legal standards adequately account for cognitive and psychological realities, highlighting gaps between doctrine and lived experience.

"The purpose of our criminal justice system is not only to administer punishments but also engage in active preventative measures to ensure the safety of the public. Unfortunately I cannot provide a concrete solution to ease the suffering of grieving victims. My best attempt to aid those in grievance would be to increase public awareness of mental disorders and better educate law enforcement personnel to prevent crimes in the first place. Until we as society can recognize that a disease of the mind is as adequate as a disease of the body, the ignorance of those who suffer will continue and impact the lives of everyone."