Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Pistorius to Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: May 30, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
South African Olympian, Oscar Pistorius, has had many of his personal failings laid bare in court after shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through a bathroom door.
The athlete contends that the event was an accident and that he thought he was acting to protect himself and Steenkamp against an intruder, according to the LA Times. Defense lawyers used a testimony from expert witness psychiatrist, Merryll Vorster, to try to show that Pistorius suffered from an anxiety disorder. This disorder, coupled with feelings of fear and vulnerability over what he thought was an intruder, caused it to seem reasonable for him to fire four shots through a bathroom door, they say. The prosecution argues that Pistorius intended to kill Steenkamp after an argument.
Vorster said that Pistorius’ reaction to the perceived threat in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2013, would have been necessarily different from that of a “normal, able-bodied person without generalized anxiety disorder,” according to the BBC. She went on to say that this would not have affected his ability to tell right from wrong and that it was up to the court to rule as to whether his anxiety disorder diminished his legal responsibility.
Judge Thokozile Masipa handed down a ruling after this testimony in which she said that the court had no choice but to refer him for a full psychiatric evaluation, the LA Times reported. Masipa explained that her aim was not to punish Pistorius twice, but to ensure that justice would be done. She also raised the possibility that Pistorius be treated as an outpatient, rather than forcing him to stay overnight for the entire 30-day assessment.
If Oscar Pistorius is found guilty of murder,the national sporting hero could face life in prison. If he is acquitted, the court must then consider the alternate charge of culpable homicide, for which he would face up to 15 years.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.