Did PTSD Cause Threats Of School Shooting? Is It Just A Convenient Defense?
Should a PTSD-linked threat be a criminal charge? Pierce County, Washington attorney Spencer Freeman says such threats can't go unchecked, but questions whether the criminal system is the right venue. He points to the First Amendment 'true threat' line under the felony-harassment statute, and suggests mental-health court or civil commitment may fit a clear mental-health problem better.
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Answered by Spencer Freeman · Pierce County, WA
Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a PTSD-linked threat be a criminal charge?
The threat can't go unchecked, but he questions whether criminal court is the right venue, pointing to the counseling conversation that gave rise to the charge.
Why can't such a threat be ignored?
Because a threat to do something, even if not aimed directly at students, crosses a line that can't simply go unaddressed.
Is criminal court the right venue?
That's the real question—he suggests mental-health court or civil commitment may fit a clear mental-health problem better than a criminal charge.
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