Des homicides commis par les aliénés

by Émile Blanche

"Des homicides commis par les aliénés" by Émile Blanche is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the intersection of criminal acts and mental illness, specifically focusing on the nature of homicides committed by individuals deemed mentally unstable. Blanche meticulously analyzes various cases, aiming to clarify how different forms of mental illness can precipitate violent actions, thus challenging prevailing notions about responsibility and culpability in criminal acts. The opening of the text introduces the author's purpose: to explore the relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior, emphasizing that the severity of an act committed by a mentally ill person does not always align with the extent of their mental disturbance. Blanche intends to present various forms of alienation that often lead to such violent crimes, systematically categorizing them to reveal a deeper understanding of the motivations behind these acts. He discusses specific cases, including testimonials from individuals suffering from delusions, which underpin the complexities of mental health and its implications for legal responsibility. Through this meticulous examination, Blanche aims to provide a clearer perspective on the dynamics of mental illness and its role in criminality.