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Reading Responses
Response 2
Louis Riel, the commander of the French rebellion, was perceived to be insane due to the belief among the troops that he was a prophet. Riel had the intention to reawaken the Native culture and protect the Aborigines from the encroaching settler Europeans. However, he would find himself at the mercy of the Canadian government following his failed attempt. Many people investigated Riel’s case using different approaches, which led to the various definitions of insanity. According to my understanding of C.K. Clarke’s (1905, p.23) definition, insanity refers to an evolutionary process that can occur due to negative life experiences or physical and psychological trauma. Clarke’s theory claims Riel was not born with any psychological issues but developed them later in life due to adverse experiences in the rebellion. I am more inclined to support this definition of insanity because it includes psychological elements as probable causal factors. It would be easier to diagnose insanity using this definition, which, if applied to Riel’s case, could have led to his acquittal instead of killing.
In Riel’s case, the other definition of insanity was applied to determine the feasibility of insanity as a legal defense. According to witnesses of the crown, insanity refers to a condition where an individual is unable to make ethical judgments by discerning right from wrong, accompanied by the inability to control temper (Clarke, 1905 p. 21). The definition from the scholarly witnesses was essential in determining whether Riel was sane to be accountable for his atrocities. I do agree there is some truth in the definition, as insane people are normally unable to base their actions on moral principles. However, I also feel that the definition is too narrow. It does not cover all the factors that could lead to a mental breakdown. There are instances where insane people have the ability to control their temper. Trauma is a more believable reason for insanity, especially given the fact that Riel was actively involved in civil warfare.
Reference
Clarke, C. K. (1905). A critical study of the case of Louis Riel. Queen’s Quarterly, 13, 14-27.