JURY
NULLIFICATION
State v. Roberts Kennebec County Superior Court Augusta, Maine
Mr. Roberts had
acknowledged the shooting death of his best friend in the course of a night's
drinking. The State alleged that
the shooting was an act of anger and sought conviction for murder. Defendant's expert Dr. Charles Robinson
testified that the crime scene, Roberts' history and witness statements were
all consistent with a failed suicide attempt the victim tried to foil. Roberts had a history of such attempts
designed to bring about his "rescue" and thereby validate his right
to live. In remarkable compromise,
the jury found Roberts not guilty by reason of insanity. He was discharged from in-patient
psychiatric care six months later.
Defendant's Attorney:
Robert Sandy, Esq.
Waterville, Maine
(207)
872-7727
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