Citation

Tamm JM. Med. Law 1992; 11(5-6): 461-467.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, International Centre of Medicine and Law)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1484469

Abstract

It is catastrophic when a judicial error results in the implementation of the death penalty. The western system of courts of appeal diminishes the risk of the condemnation of innocent persons but does not rule it out. Intrinsic influences of psychological effects are just as detrimental as preconceived notions as was the case, for instance, when Socrates' life ended unnaturally. This happened despite the fact that he was able to establish persuasively that the court had considered false evidence and had therefrom made unfair and untruthful deductions. This article uses the example in psychosomatic medicine of a member of a family who becomes aggressive because of envy and jealousy and this results in often tragic consequences for the 'victim' of his offensive behaviour. The principle is the same. The only solution is the intercession of an unbiased influence to work out the problem from a point of view that is unaffected by such turmoils which are often inherent in the system. If this is not done any organization or society can make deadly mistakes.

Language: en