Mississippi enacts stricter law on release for mentally ill acquitted of crime

Mississippi enacts stricter law on release for mentally ill acquitted of crime

Mississippi is tightening rules for the release of anyone acquitted of a crime because of insanity.

A new law took effect when Gov. Haley Barbour signed it Monday.

It says there should be a continuing presumption that the person acquitted is mentally ill and dangerous. The person could seek release from a mental institution by having a court hearing to determine if he’s no longer a threat to the community.

AP
3/30/10