52 online
 
Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 10 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
OpEdNews Op Eds   

Anatomy Of A Sex Crime: The Spitzer Case

By       (Page 1 of 1 pages)   1 comment
The Eliot Spitzer scandal is difficult for many rational people to understand.  How could he have been so careless?  The real question should be: What is the psychological pathology that caused this self destructive behavior?  Like many crimes of morality, the pathology of the brain is usually the last suspect.  In this case, there is no other rational answer.  Elliot Spitzer is a sex addict who cannot control his sex drive.  Much like a drug addict, he really has no choice.  This condition is sometimes called "irresistible impulse" that was the topic of the 1959 movie, ANATOMY OF A MURDER.
The film Anatomy of a Murder (1959) is probably the finest pure trial movie ever made. The film is based on a powerful 1958 novel by Robert Traver.  It centers on a gripping small-town murder trial of Lieutenant Manion (Ben Gazzara). Manion clearly gunned down Barney Quill in Quill’s bar. But why did he do it?
The film is loaded with fascinating legal issues, such as the validity and applicability of the irresistible impulse version of the insanity defense. Defense lawyer Paul Biegler (Jimmy Stewart in an unforgettable portrayal) would rather be catching trout. He claims it happened because Manion was seized by an irresistible impulse–he just found out that Quill had raped Laura after picking her up in the bar.  The defense psychiatrist is asked whether Manion was capable of understanding right from wrong.  The psychiatrist states clearly that the issue of right and wrong is never contemplated by one who is in the grip of irresistible impulse or dissociative reaction.
Manion is acquitted in the movie.  Otto Preminger, the director, knew this movie would be  controversial because it dealt with sexuality, violence, and language never before shown in previous 1st tier Hollywood movies.  The issues raise in this movie questioned the social values of that period in American culture.  Since that time the subject of sexuality has been broadened primarily because of the events in the 60s that has been described as "the sexual revolution."  The feminist movement has also been an important factor in dealing more honestly with sexuality.  That has not been the case for crime and punishment in this country.
The United States has developed a cottage industry for the penal system.  There are more people incarcerated in this country per capita than any other nation.  Close to half of the prisoners have committed non-violent crimes.  Many are suffering from severe psychological disorders that are undiagnosed.  Some of these prisoners suffer from irresistible impulse and need psychiatric help.  Spitzer may well be the next victim of our penal system.
There is no question that Spitzer should resign and get the help he needs to treat this problem.  He is a sexual addict and cannot control his behavior.  The irresistible impulse  prevents him from rational contemplation of the consequences of his actions.  He needs rehabilitation, not incarceration.
Rate It | View Ratings

Sheldon Drobny Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Sheldon Drobny was the co-founder of Nova M radio and Air America Radio. He has supported many philanthropic causes. Mr. Drobny specializes in business and tax matters and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court as a non-attorney. Less (more...)
 
Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

Eisenhower "I Shall Go To Korea " Speech

OIL COMPANY PRICE INCREASES: FACT OR FICTION

Insanity Is Trump: Bush And The Prudent Man Rule

"In God We Trust": The Worship Of Money

The Rube Goldberg Electoral College

Saving the Wealthy Class from Itself

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend