The Treatment of Mental Illness by the Justice System

In The Stranger, it is almost impossible not to jump to the conclusion that Meursault has some type and degree of a mental illness. He struggles to voice his emotions, even internally. He appears to be indifferent to all aspects of his life and has a difficult time making decisions. He never demonstrates even a glimpse of love or affection for his friends, girlfriend, or even mother. Around the midway point of the novel, Meursault's mental illness resulted in him shooting and killing a man very rashly.

His trial was long and excruciating. Interestingly, the trial had little to do with his killing of the Arab man, but instead with the death and treatment of his mother. His lack of sadness at her funeral was seen as a sign that Meursault was evil. It was decided by the jury that his soul was so sinful that he must be put to death for the good of humanity. They came to this decision without any consideration for his mental instability. His inability to grieve the proper way at his mother's funeral resulted in his death. His awkwardness and indifference in relationships, both romantic and simple friendships, led the judge to send Meursault to the guillotine.

This treatment of mental illness by the justice system extends far beyond The Stranger. Pleading insanity has become a common occurance to lessen the punishment after committing heinous acts. However, none of the punishments contain any kind of aid to the mentally ill. Is it not ironic that only some people convicted of murder are considered 'insane'? Do you not have to be insane to pull the trigger to take a life? Mental illness has become a kind of hidden scapegoat within the courts. It is the first thing to be blamed, but the last thing to be treated.