Citation

Steinberg H, Schmideler S. Fortschr. Neurol. Psychiatr. 2006; 74(10): 575-581.

Vernacular Title

Die Todesurteile des Leipziger Schoppenstuhls im Fall Woyzeck.

Affiliation

Archiv für Leipziger Psychiatriegeschichte, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Universität Leipzig. steinbh@medizin.uni-leipzig.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-2005-919142

PMID

16586263

Abstract

The trial of Johann Christian Woyzeck for murder is among the most significant for forensic psychiatry in the 19 (th) century. The case gained worldwide fame, not only because of Georg Büchner's eponymous drama. A thorough analysis and reconstruction of the proceedings would allow more light to be shed on one of the major events in the evolution of modern psychiatric positions regarding criminal responsibility. To support this effort, this paper presents two original sources that have just been rediscovered in the archives, and which are of major importance in respect of both the Woyzeck case and the history of forensic psychiatry. Until now only transcripts had been available. The two documents in question relate to the death sentences issued by the Leipzig magistrates court (Schöppenstuhl). They clearly show the ruling feudal and municipal authorities' efforts to exploit both the general rules of procedure as well as the forensic testimony given by Leipzig's medical officer and professor, Johann Christian August Clarus, for their own restorative political interests. This is revealed by the fact, among others, that the legal procedures are interpreted in the narrowest possible way and the crux of the problem, namely the culprit's criminal responsibility, is not really the focus of attention. The defence does not really have a chance, the more so since it makes pleas that are both contradictory and amateurist from a psychiatric point of view. Moreover, its efforts to garner support from reformist forces, above all among scholars, are undermined by the defence team's manipulation of the facts.

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