Should Asperger Syndrome be used as a defense?
There are those in the Asperger Community who suggest that Asperger Syndrome should not be considered a psychiatric diagnosis at all. Using the term neurodiversity they assert that Asperger Syndrome, although atypical, is a normal human difference. Individuals with Asperger Syndrome should be respected for their differences according to these advocates. So where does that leave Gary McKinnon and his obsession? According to the neurodiversity model, Mr. McKinnon should be treated as any other cyber-terrorist. (I presume the other side of being respected for being different, is also being responsible for ones actions.) Under the extradition treaty between the US and the UK, he should be extradited to the US and stand trial for the crimes he committed. And if found guilty, I presume the judge and jury would determine a punishment that suits the severity of the crime, even prison. However, even if Asperger Syndrome is used as a mitigating factor, what are those mitigating circumstances. If
