Behind the Bastards

Part One: Dr. Death: The Texas Death Row Psychiatrist Who Killed So Many People

17 snips
Jul 29, 2025
Journalist Steven Monacelli joins Robert Evans to delve into the chilling tale of Dr. James Grigson, a psychiatrist infamous for manipulating the death penalty system in Texas. They explore Grigson's unethical practices, the dark legacy he left on American justice, and the disturbing intersection of psychiatry and capital punishment. The discussion also critiques the flawed evaluations that led to wrongful convictions, revealing the troubling implications of psychiatric testimony in court and the ongoing impact on marginalized communities.
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INSIGHT

Texas Death Penalty Flaws

  • Texas has executed more people than any other state since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
  • Many executed individuals were later proven definitely innocent, highlighting serious flaws in the system.
INSIGHT

Forensic Psychiatry's Dark Origins

  • Forensic psychiatry began as a tool for legal battles over wills, often used to invalidate testators' competence.
  • Courts curtailed this abuse, but similar exploitation reemerged in death penalty cases decades later.
ANECDOTE

Grigson’s False 'Mastermind' Persona

  • Dr. Grigson portrayed himself as a genius battling dangerous criminals like Hannibal Lecter.
  • His self-image boosted his courtroom influence, though it was far from the truth.
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