Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Pistorius to Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: May 30, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
South African Olympian, Oscar Pistorius, has had many of his personal failings laid bare in court after shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through a bathroom door.
The athlete contends that the event was an accident and that he thought he was acting to protect himself and Steenkamp against an intruder, according to the LA Times. Defense lawyers used a testimony from expert witness psychiatrist, Merryll Vorster, to try to show that Pistorius suffered from an anxiety disorder. This disorder, coupled with feelings of fear and vulnerability over what he thought was an intruder, caused it to seem reasonable for him to fire four shots through a bathroom door, they say. The prosecution argues that Pistorius intended to kill Steenkamp after an argument.
Vorster said that Pistorius’ reaction to the perceived threat in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2013, would have been necessarily different from that of a “normal, able-bodied person without generalized anxiety disorder,” according to the BBC. She went on to say that this would not have affected his ability to tell right from wrong and that it was up to the court to rule as to whether his anxiety disorder diminished his legal responsibility.
Judge Thokozile Masipa handed down a ruling after this testimony in which she said that the court had no choice but to refer him for a full psychiatric evaluation, the LA Times reported. Masipa explained that her aim was not to punish Pistorius twice, but to ensure that justice would be done. She also raised the possibility that Pistorius be treated as an outpatient, rather than forcing him to stay overnight for the entire 30-day assessment.
If Oscar Pistorius is found guilty of murder,the national sporting hero could face life in prison. If he is acquitted, the court must then consider the alternate charge of culpable homicide, for which he would face up to 15 years.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Gross Lease vs. Net Lease: Understanding the Key Differences
Commercial leases can take a variety of forms, which is often confusing for both landlords and tenants. Understanding the different types, especially the gross lease structure, is important when selecting the lease that best suits your needs. One key distinction between lease types is how rent is calculated and paid. This article addresses the two […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2
Over the past year, brick-and-mortar stores have closed their doors at a record pace. Fluctuating consumer preferences, the rise of online shopping platforms, and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to put pressure on the retail industry. When a retailer seeks bankruptcy protection, a myriad of other businesses are often impacted. Whether you are a supplier, customer, […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business
Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1
The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.