Not Just Evil: Murder, Hollywood, and California's First Insanity Plea by David Wilson

Author:David Wilson [Wilson, David]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9781682303269
Publisher: Diversion Books
Published: 2016-12-06T05:00:00+00:00

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As Mr. Walsh continued his argument that Mr. Hickman had been insane even before the kidnapping of Marion, he introduced a statement made by his client inside the Los Angeles city jail. It read:

Is the abolition of crime worthy of deep consideration? Is it worth more than one life? Is it of such a widespread or inconsiderable nature that to check its progress is believed impossible or undesirable by the American people? Do the American people really understand crime? Can a criminal help himself? Do prisons help sufficiently to cure criminals? Do modern criminal prevention methods avail the people of the U.S. of sufficient protection or reasonable security? Has crime diminished or is it increasing? Are murders and atrocities becoming more ordinary and less repulsive to the American people or is crime blotting out itself or is it not? Do the American people think they have satisfactory protection and control of their properties and lives? Are these questions of vital importance to every American citizen? Do their answers determine the welfare of American society? Will the American people listen to me? Will you members of the jury and court reason with me?

Crime costs the U.S. much money and many lives each year. Crime threatens society. Crime hinders efficient government. Crime disturbs the peace, property rights, lives, welfare, even the destiny of the American people. Crime is increasing in the U.S. Crime has become astounding in the U.S. Crime must be studied more carefully and checked. If this U.S. wants to continue, if the American people want a satisfactory solution to this grave situation, they must reason most thoroughly with young criminals.

I want to appeal to your complete justice, to your soundest reason to every feeling and sense that you possess. I want to do a great good for you. I want this case solved with the greatest and most beneficial results to society. I love the American people. I respect the people of California. I forgive the members of the prosecution and admit that they have a good cause to prosecute me. I want to help in a way that no one else has ever helped you. A great Providence is urging me to do this. Don’t look at Edward Hickman and think only E. H. Don’t look at murder and say only death. Don’t look at crime and say only terrible. Think first of the welfare of your homes, your community, your city, your state, your nation. Think of peace and prosperity. Think of adjustment. Think of understanding. Think of your future and your city’s future, your success and your city’s success. Think of destiny and forget fate. Believe in yourself and your fellow citizens for good. Consider society.

I want Los Angeles, California and the United States to benefit from this case. I want society to see my example and derive a great benefit. In me has originated the tendency towards crime and there is a possibility in me for adjustment. Crime has been generated in me. Young criminality has been demonstrated in me.

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