Autistic man presents challenge to legal system – Miami Herald
Prof. Winick was quoted in the Miami Herald on September 22nd by on the case of an autistic man accused of stabbing his mother.
Autism is not a defense against a violent crime, said Bruce J. Winick, a UM law professor. For the state to prosecute, Brinegar merely has to be competent to stand trial.
The real question is whether he knew right from wrong.
”If he knew he was doing wrong, even though he might not appreciate his feelings, it wouldn’t amount to an insanity defense under Florida law,” Winick said.
