title: Law & psychiatry: Murder, inheritance, and mental illness.
abstract: Should a murderer be allowed to inherit the victim's estate? The question dates from biblical times, but most jurisdictions today have statutes in place that bar inheritance by convicted murderers. However, a special problem arises when the killer has a severe mental illness and has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Should such people, who have not been convicted of a crime, be permitted to collect their inheritance? Jurisdictions vary in their responses, with the rules reflecting a mix of practical and moral considerations influenced by different perspectives about what determines the behavior of persons with mental illness.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, USA.
authors: Azgad
authors: A
authors: Gold
authors: Paul S
authors: PS
authors: Appelbaum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders; D014918:Wills