Examine the relationship between mental illness and violent crime. You should be able to apply some of the theories of crime causation from earlier in the course to this topic.
Case Study
Prepare a report and research and analyze one of the following mass shootings from recent American history:
Parkland School Shooting, 2018
Pulse Nightclub, Orlando, Florida, 2016
Sandy Hook Elementary, 2012
Fort Hood Military Base, 2009
Virginia Tech University, 2007
For your selected case study, address these questions:
Based on what you know about the shooter, what was he attempting to accomplish? Did he have a mission behind his crime?
Analyze and discuss the shooter’s mental condition at the time of the shooting. Keep in mind that there may be reliable information available on this subject, including letters or other messages created by the shooter himself.
Evaluate the response by law enforcement as the incident took place. Was it possible to produce a better outcome?
Last, offer a well-reasoned policy that seeks to reconcile mental health with gun ownership. Keeping in mind Constitutional guarantees and Supreme Court decisions such as Chicago v. McDonald and Heller v. District of Columbia, how might lawmakers legally restrict gun ownership among those with mental issues? Be specific.