Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Verdict in trial of John West Hinckley, Junior, accused of shooting President Reagan and others, reported.
REPORTER: Dan Rather

(DC) Reaction to verdict and to Hinckley's commitment to Saint Elizabeth's Hospital by defense attorney and his parents quoted on screen. [Jurors Nathalia BROWN, Maryland COPELIN - feel system forced their not guilty vote.] [Juror Lawrence COFFEY - defs. verdict.] [Psychiatrists Dr. Jonas RAPPEPORT, Dr. Ernst RODIN - express differing opinions; express concern for actress Jodie Foster.] President Reagan said declining comment.
REPORTER: Fred Graham

(Studio) Defense attorney quoted with regard to financial aspect of his work; Idaho said no longer accepting insanity defense
REPORTER: Dan Rather

(Boise, ID) ID's stance on insanity defense examined in detail. [State attorney general David LEROY - doesn't believe Hinckley's insanity defense would have been allowed here.] Similar situation in California outlined.
REPORTER: Terry Drinkwater

(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Dan Rather

(DC) [Senator Orrin HATCH - believes law is crux of the problem.] Implications of Hinckley's verdict on future of insanity defense examined; Judge Barrington Parker's instructions to jury noted, outlined on screen. [Senators Howard BAKER, HATCH, Larry PRESSLER - call for changes in system, consider insanity defense a rich man's escape; Jodie Foster mentioned. Pleas entered by Charles Manson, Mark Chapman, Jack Ruby, Sirhan Sirhan recalled. [Dr. Alan STONE - considers insanity plea important to moral law.] [New Right spokesperson Paul WEYRICH - hopes system will be challenged.] [Psychiatrist Dr. Ernst PRELINCER - notes trial's impact on psychiatry's image.] [Senator Arlen SPECTER - criticizes law.]
REPORTER: Bruce Morton Artist: Howard Brodie