FPSY ASSIGNMENT
a 2–4 page paper (Capstone Project Comprehensive Report Section 3) that answers the following questions:
What is the defendant being charged with (e.g., Felony Theft)?
What is the defendant’s mental diagnosis (e.g., Schizophrenia)?
What are the diagnostic criteria for the defendant’s mental disorder?
What information do you think the judge and jury should know about the defendant’s mental disorder?
Christopher Jackson is a 24-year-old, single African American male who was arrested on December 20 for First Degree Arson. Allegedly, he set fire to a homeless shelter
affiliated with his Baptist Church. According to the police report, Christopher was staying at the shelter and lit a fire next to his cot in order to stay warm. The
bedding quickly ignited and the fire spread throughout the shelter. No one was seriously injured. Christopher stated that he didn’t know he shouldn’t light a fire
indoors and didn’t think anything bad would happen. Upon review of records, Mr. Jackson completed the 11th grade, but had to repeat grades 1 and 3. He was enrolled in
Special Education classes throughout junior high and high school, but didn’t complete school due to poor performance. At the age of 10, he was tested by the school
district, and was found to have a full-scale IQ of 77. Since high school, he has worked a variety of odd jobs, but has been unable to maintain longterm employment. He
has difficulty maintaining social relationships, and is impaired in social interaction. Christopher’s unusual behaviors (washing his hands frequently, making sure
items are put in a certain order, etc.) also negatively affect his interactions and his ability to hold down a job. During high school, a school psychologist diagnosed
Christopher with Borderline Intellectual Functioning and Asperger’s Disorder.
