Delusional or Dissident?

Dylann Roof, the South Carolina 21-year-old who is charged with gunning down nine African Americans parishioners engaged in Bible study last year was found competent to stand trial last week. After undergoing a psychiatric examination suggested by his defense attorney (and loudly protested by Mr. Roof), the Judge found that Mr. Roof has both a realistic understanding of the trial proceedings and is able to make rational decisions.

In fact, not only did the judge believe that Mr. Roof has the ability to understand the trial, but to act on his own attorney. In District Judge Richard Gergel’s words, “Mr. Roof has an extremely high IQ and no cognitive impairment.” His behavior in court was described as “alert, focused and confident” and, so far, questions he has asked potential jurors seem to be both relevant and astute.

What’s the Problem?

Clearly, Dylann Roof is intellectually capable of understanding the difference between right and wrong. As evidenced by his courtroom behavior, he also appears to be able to conform his behavior to meet societal expectations.

But what about what about the twisted logic so clearly outlined in Dylann Roof’s manifesto? Isn’t that evidence that Mr. Roof suffers from some sort of psychiatric disorder? We know that there are mentally ill sufferers whose psychiatric symptoms (such as paranoia or…