Reader: Insanity defense bill to shift burden of proof to defendant is D.O.A.

Yesterday, Melanie Asmar wrote about a proposal by Representative Frank McNulty, ex-speaker of the Colorado House, to change the way the insanity defense is handled -- placing the burden of proof on the defendant rather than the state. Despite the prospect of accused Aurora theater shooter James Holmes deploying this...
By Michael Roberts
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Yesterday, Melanie Asmar wrote about a proposal by Representative Frank McNulty, ex-speaker of the Colorado House, to change the way the insanity defense is handled — placing the burden of proof on the defendant rather than the state. Despite the prospect of accused Aurora theater shooter James Holmes deploying this strategy, one reader thinks party politics will ensure the measure’s failure.

davebarnes writes:

“Representative Frank McNulty [R]”

The R is all you need to know. This is going nowhere.

1. The Dems are in control.

2. This is THE Frank who pissed off 3/4 of state last year with his handling of the civil unions bill.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword‘s news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor’s degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master’s degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

michaelrobertscolo@gmail.com

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