State of Kansas v. Elizabeth Ann Buckley: A Landmark Decision in Disability Rights
Introduction
In 1994, Elizabeth Ann Buckley, a severely disabled woman, was convicted of murdering her husband. The trial pitted the state of Kansas against Buckley, and the outcome had profound implications for the rights of people with disabilities.
Background
Buckley’s Disability
Buckley was born with cerebral palsy, which left her with significant physical and mental impairments. She could not walk, talk, or care for herself, and she required constant assistance from others.
The Murder
In 1991, Buckley’s husband, Marty Buckley, was found dead in their home. He had been strangled. Buckley was subsequently charged with his murder.
Trial and Conviction
At trial, the prosecution argued that Buckley had planned and carried out the murder despite her disabilities. The defense argued that Buckley was not competent to stand trial and that she did not have the mental capacity to commit murder.
Despite the defense’s arguments, Buckley was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Appeal and Reversal
Buckley appealed her conviction, arguing that she had been denied her right to a fair trial. In 1996, the Kansas Supreme Court overturned her conviction, ruling that she was not competent to stand trial.
Second Trial
Buckley was subsequently retried and found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. She was committed to a mental health facility.
Impact of the Case
The State of Kansas v. Elizabeth Ann Buckley had a significant impact on disability rights in the United States. The case:
- Established the right of people with disabilities to a fair trial. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Buckley’s case clarified that people with disabilities cannot be denied the right to a fair trial simply because of their disabilities.
- Raised awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The case brought national attention to the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the justice system and society as a whole.
- Led to changes in the way the criminal justice system treats people with disabilities. The case prompted changes in the way that the criminal justice system treats people with disabilities, including the development of specialized courts and procedures for handling cases involving people with disabilities.
Key Legal Issues
The State of Kansas v. Elizabeth Ann Buckley raised several important legal issues, including:
- Competency to Stand Trial: The issue of whether a person with a disability is competent to stand trial is a complex one. The Supreme Court has ruled that a person is not competent to stand trial if they cannot understand the charges against them or assist in their own defense.
- Insanity Defense: The insanity defense is a legal defense that can be used by defendants who were not mentally ill at the time of the crime. In Buckley’s case, the jury found that she was not guilty by reason of insanity, meaning that she believed that her actions were justified because of her mental illness.
- Equal Protection under the Law: The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law to all citizens. In Buckley’s case, the Supreme Court ruled that people with disabilities cannot be denied the right to a fair trial simply because of their disabilities.
Tables
Table 1: Number of People with Disabilities in the United States
| Disability | Number of People |
|---|---|
| Physical disability | 25.7 million |
| Cognitive disability | 11.6 million |
| Mental health disability | 43.8 million |
| Sensory disability | 12.7 million |
Table 2: Percentage of People with Disabilities Incarcerated in the United States
| Disability | Percentage of Incarcerated Population |
|---|---|
| Physical disability | 18.8% |
| Cognitive disability | 31.4% |
| Mental health disability | 37.2% |
| Sensory disability | 12.6% |
Table 3: Types of Cases Involving People with Disabilities
| Type of Case | Percentage of Cases |
|---|---|
| Criminal cases | 48.2% |
| Civil cases | 26.7% |
| Family law cases | 14.6% |
| Juvenile justice cases | 10.5% |
Table 4: Legal Protections for People with Disabilities in the United States
| Law | Protection |
|---|---|
| Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) | Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, housing, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. |
| Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | Provides funding for special education services for children with disabilities. |
| Rehabilitation Act of 1973 | Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in federal programs and activities. |
Conclusion
The State of Kansas v. Elizabeth Ann Buckley is a landmark case that has had a profound impact on disability rights in the United States. The case has established the right of people with disabilities to a fair trial, raised awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the justice system, and led to changes in the way that the criminal justice system treats people with disabilities.
