Opinion ID: 381252
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Court's Order and the Trial

Text: 13 The district court declined to raise the insanity defense over appellant's objection. 29 In its order, the court carefully reviewed the history of the case, acknowledged the conflict among the experts, and cited three related grounds for declining to interpose the defense. First, Wright was able to make a rational and intelligent choice with respect to raising the insanity issue as a defense. 30 In support, the court noted the appellant's reliance on a religious ground, on his own conviction that he was not mentally ill, and on his awareness of the possible consequences of raising the defense that could include commitment to St. Elizabeths. 31 Second, the court cited its own observations of defendant in court on at least seven occasions. Finally, the court found the testimony of Drs. Sack and Pepper credible and believable although in conflict with the views of Dr. Miller. 32 The court concluded that Mr. Wright's decision to abandon and reject an insanity defense is not a product of any mental illness or abnormal mental condition but rather a considered determination on his part. 33 14 At trial, the arresting officers and a detective gave evidence about the incident alleged in the indictment. One reported that the defendant spontaneously said at the time of arrest, Jehovah had sent me. 34 The government also obtained testimony from an architectural historian about the value of the model and the cost of repairing both it and the glass display case. 35 Appellant, the sole defense witness, told of his mission to warn of God's pending judgment, and his use of symbolic acts as religious prophesy. The jury found appellant guilty. 15 At sentencing, the appellant asked for probation, promising that his conduct would not be repeated. He said, I am not the usual criminal. I just I am a man of great convictions and I have got to find other ways and means of expressing my beliefs and ideas about this. 36 The judge rejected his request and set the sentence. This appeal followed. 37