Some criminals use mental health issues to gain empathy

Some criminals use mental health issues to gain empathy

By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: Many criminals in Kuwait attempt to use mental health issues as a legal defense to justify their crime, receive a lighter sentence and convince the judge that their mental issues affected their judgment or capacity to understand the consequences of their actions. Mental health issues can be considered as a mitigating factor, particularly if they contribute to criminal behavior.

This recognition might lead to reduced sentences or alternative forms of rehabilitation. Speaking to Kuwait Times, lawyer Mohammad Al-Jasem explained that in some cases, criminals may use mental health issues as a way to gain empathy, but evaluating the authenticity of such claims is the role of the legal system, which often involves mental health assessments and expert opinions. “Psychotherapy is not considered an excuse to attempt a crime.

A person goes through many psychological stages, but it does not count as a permit allowing him to commit crimes, and not a reason to be exempt from punishment. It is not that easy,” he explained. “However, it is possible to benefit from the decision to reduce the penalty for those who have a psychiatric medical record and were in hospital to receive treatment because of their psychological condition.

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