Lesson Plan: John Hinckley Jr. and the Insanity Defense

Lesson Overview

This lesson will explore the case of John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Students will learn about the legal and ethical implications of the insanity defense, as well as the impact of this case on the mental health and criminal justice systems.

Learning Outcomes

• Know the facts of the John Hinckley Jr. case and the verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.
• Understand the legal and ethical implications of the insanity defense.
• Analyze the impact of the Hinckley case on the mental health and criminal justice systems.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the insanity defense in the criminal justice system.

Methodology

This lesson will be delivered through a combination of lecture, discussion, and group activities. Students will be encouraged to participate in class discussions and share their own perspectives on the insanity defense and the Hinckley case.

Resources/Materials

• Textbook readings on the insanity defense and the Hinckley case.
• Online articles and videos about the Hinckley case and the insanity defense.
• Handouts with discussion questions and group activities.
• Whiteboard and markers for group activities.

Activities

• Lecture on the Hinckley case and the insanity defense.
• Small group discussion on the legal and ethical implications of the insanity defense.
• Class debate on the effectiveness of the insanity defense in the criminal justice system.
• Group activity where students create their own hypothetical cases and determine whether the insanity defense would be applicable.
• Individual reflection on the impact of the Hinckley case on the mental health and criminal justice systems.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on participation in class discussions and group activities, as well as a written reflection on the impact of the Hinckley case on the mental health and criminal justice systems.

Title

John Hinckley Jr. and the Insanity Defense: A Lesson Plan

Compliance

This lesson plan is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Subject

History

Summary

This lesson plan explores the case of John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan and was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Students will learn about the legal and ethical implications of the insanity defense, as well as the impact of this case on the mental health and criminal justice systems.

Hashtags

#history #lessonplan #insanitydefense #JohnHinckleyJr.