Lecture Notes: Nicholas Godejohn's Case Defense

Key Argument: Lack of Deliberation

• Main Argument: Nicholas Godejohn is not guilty of first-degree murder due to the inability to deliberate.
• Complexity of Deliberation: It's a complex process, not a simple decision.

Gypsy Blanchard's Role

• Desire for Escape: Gypsy wanted her mother, Claudine Blanchard, dead to escape her home.
• Manipulation: Gypsy manipulated Nicholas into committing the crime.
• Plans A, B, C: Multiple plans were devised by Gypsy to escape.
  • Attempted to run away.
  • Considered getting pregnant to escape.

Characteristics of the Individuals

• Gypsy's Background:
  • Forced by her mother to pretend to be sick and remain childlike.
  • Learned manipulation from her mother.
• Nicholas Godejohn:
  • Low-functioning individual with autism.
  • Manipulated by Gypsy due to his condition.
  • Childlike decisions and actions post-crime (e.g., mailing the murder weapon with a return address).

Unique Aspects of the Case

• Unusual Dynamics: All involved are, in some way, victims and manipulators.
• Childlike Behavior: Both Gypsy and Nicholas displayed childlike understanding and actions.

Psychological Evaluations

• Dr. Franks: Asserted Nicholas has autism spectrum disorder level 2, affecting his deliberation ability.
• Dr. Denny: Criticized Dr. Franks but had limited real experience with autism.
• IQ Disparities: Nicholas’s IQ is significantly below average, which impacts his cognitive abilities.

Defense's Final Arguments

• Lack of Cool Reflection: Emphasized Nicholas's inability for 'cool reflection,’ a requirement for first-degree murder.
• Compassion Request: Asked the jury to have compassion for all involved, including Nicholas.
• Reasonable Doubt: Suggested that reasonable doubt exists regarding Nicholas's capacity to deliberate.
• Alternative Verdicts: Encouraged consideration of lesser homicide charges.

Closing Thoughts

• Emphasized Nicholas’s love and intent to help Gypsy, though misguided.
• Asserted that Nicholas’s actions were not premeditated due to his cognitive limitations.