Trial Discussion Thread #37 - 14.05.12 Day 30

[zwiebel]

Can anyone recall, did the psychiatrist say that OP's mother drank 'excessively', but when describing OP's drunkeness said he would sometimes get 'intoxicated'?

One sounds much better than the other, in my opinion, though I think they both describe the same thing?

 

[BritsKate]

do they not check [pre-trial] that the accused is [medically/mentally] fit to stand trial in sa?

Yep. That's exactly what's happening in the Dewani case. He's actually institutionalised in a psych hospital.

 

[Suthrnqt]

OP had issues re being legless around women.

Well, unless his 3rd leg was also amputated, I did see the correlation. Lol

 

[BritsKate]

Her admitting he doesn't rise to the level of mental illness really isn't helpful. GAD is among the most diagnosed of all disorders - it affects a ton of people who don't commit murder and lead very normal everyday lives, managing to maintain jobs and family relations, etc.

 

[DebinGA]

Can anyone recall, did the psychiatrist say that OP's mother drank 'excessively', but when describing OP's drunkeness said he would sometimes get 'intoxicated'?

One sounds much better than the other, in my opinion, though I think they both describe the same thing?

She found OP's 2009 "boating accident" significant. Wonder if she knows he was driving and rammed a stationary pier while drinking?

 

[Interested Bystander]

So automatism possibly back on the cards. Oh No!

 

[Forensics]

interesting read...Oscar trial: defence expert unable to contest the state's version

http://www.enca.com/south-africa/oscar-trial-defence-expert-unable-contest-states-version

 

[04009margaret]

Oscar radio discussing DT may have shot itself in the backside with this mental illness issue. They believe Nel is about to put an application to the court to have OP evaluated for a mental illness. This information should have been part of OP's plea.

 

[whiterum]

His emotions being genuine or not after the fact, does not mean that he did not purposely kill Reeva in a fit of rage.

 

[Gbtaketwo]

Gosh, is it possible OP will end up being carted off to join Dewani in that big secure hospital at the end of this session?

I thought he was going to attempt that earlier in the trial so it would be funny if that happened because of his own defence witness

 

[JudgeJudi]

Good morning all....have been lurking for weeks and have really enjoyed reading all the threads here and keeping up to date with the trial. I am going to jump straight in and say I sat up straight when W just mentioned Frank.Up until now I was beginning to think he was just an imaginary friend!

Here's a :thewave: from us all.

 

[Interested Bystander]

Legal round table now on http://ewn.co.za/Features/oscarpistorius/live-blog

Unfortunately I think a lot of it will be about Wollie Wolmarans. There is a bit about Gerrie Nel at the moment.

 

[Fuskier]

Gee, I wonder if circumcision will now become the new excuse for male murderers....

Its possible you might be on to something there. Wonder if there has been research conducted in this area?

 

[lithgow1]

Oscar radio discussing DT may have shot itself in the backside with this mental illness issue. They believe Nel is about to put an application to the court to have OP evaluated for a mental illness. This information should have been part of OP's plea.

Are they still discussing it - on whoop whoop they have gone back to last night's round table. If they still talking about this new development can you provide link? TIA

 

[BritsKate]

Right. I'm lost. So Nel is suggesting that Oscar be sectioned? I'm confused about what's happening . . .

Because his psychiatrist's testimony dips its toes into becoming an involuntary defence instead of strictly putative private defence.

She appeared to be suggesting diminished responsibility - which should have no feature or bearing when a defendant is claiming self-defence - and then trying to backtrack stating he has no mental illness. So, Nel is checking the criminal code of procedures to see if Oscar should be evaluated based on what the defence has put forth.

(If Nel didn't check, this case could be overturned on appeal later if it comes to light Oscar did have diminished responsibility. AFAIK.)

 

[Forensics]

..and an even more interesting read is this....
Pistorius’s experts – what have they been doing?

This sums up the article.....What has emerged is a defence team that has patched holes rather than punched them, and it’s the timeline of events inside and outside the court that they cannot get away from and Gerrie Nel will certainly use this to prove dishonesty.


http://www.enca.com/south-africa/oscar-trial-defence-expert-unable-contest-states-version

 

[patCee]

I wouldn't like to be Roux and team in the consulting room with OP right now. They'll need to put their 'bullet proof' vests on, hypothetically speaking of course.

 

[lithgow1]

So folks what do you reckon? From my reading I think Nel must be trying to dispose of all these 'excuses' if you like for OP's actions that night. Either he is not fit to stand trial, or he is so let's drop this carp and move on to less subjective evidence.

 

[bloodmeridian]

Can anyone help with how to include links in a post.....now that we are on a break? I've read the FAQ's and still can't work it out? I see the insert link button......Do I use this? It seems to bring the address twice when I copy/paste?

Many TIA..

 

[Freya1977]

Can't really believe DT didn't see this one coming. They want to claim diminished responsibility? Then he shouldn't be walking the streets if his condition means he may become "hypervigilant" again and shoot someone else! Good lord.