Best Quote by Lionel Shriver
“As individuals are best off believing they control their behaviour, the judiciary is best off imputing that control - barring powerful extenuating factors such as mental illness.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Legal Theory, 2018
People overestimate personal control, while courts assume control, ignoring mental illness and other mitigating factors.
In simple terms: We think we control behavior, but law often assumes it, missing mental health issues.
Consider mental health when attributing responsibility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court sentencing
- policy reform
- psychological assessment
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How should law balance personal agency with mental illness?
- What safeguards protect against unjust imputations?
May oversimplify legal complexities.