"If you have ascertained that Aelius Priscus is so insane that he is permanently mad and thus he was incapable of reasoning when he killed his mother, and did not kill her with the pretense of being mad, you need not concern yourself with the question how he should be punished, as insanity itself is punishment enough. At the same time he should be kept in close custody, and … even kept in chains. This need not be done by way of punishment so much for his own and his neighbours’ security … But since we learn … that he is in the hands of friends, even in fact, confined to his house, your proper course is to summon those in charge of him at the time and enquire how they were so remiss, and then to pronounce on each case separately, according to whether there is any excuse or aggravation for their negligence. The object of keepers for the insane is not merely to stop them from harming themselves, but from destroying others, and if this happens, there is some justification for casting the blame for it on those who were somewhat negligent in their duties."
-Marcus Aurelius
Had it right 1800 years ago, surely you guys can figger it out.
This post was edited by Shadowoffury on Sep 9 2025 06:44pm