The legal system is based on the assumption of personal responsibility, but a dilemma exists when considering the possibility of psychological problems. Explore this dilemma and then explain your position on this issue

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
? Generally it is accepted that people should be held responsible for their actions.
? Yet sometimes mental disorders may prevent a person from understanding the difference between right and wrong or make it impossible for a person to control his or her behavior.
? It is difficult to distinguish impairments that legitimately reduce a person's responsibility for his or her actions from unjustified excuses.
? A diminished-capacity defense allowed in some jurisdictions may result in reducing the charges or punishment without exonerating the person.
? The legal recognition that some disturbed or mentally incompetent people should not be judged by the same standards as mentally healthy individuals must be balanced by society's obligation to protect its citizens from harm.

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