Question from a reader:
I have a 75-year-old acquaintance who is suffering from depression. I heard that when he broke up with a woman he had been living with a few years ago, he disposed of all her belongings and gave her money as a settlement. However, recently he claimed that “the money was stolen” and seems to have called the
police. There is no evidence, but is there a possibility that he could be held accountable for a crime?

Depression in the Elderly and Legal Troubles: Considering the Case of an Acquaintance

Recently, I heard a very interesting story from a friend. His acquaintance is 75 years old and is suffering from depression. This acquaintance disposed of all the belongings of the woman he had been living with when they broke up and gave her money as a settlement. However, recently he claimed that “the money was stolen” and called the police. Hearing this, I began to think about the possibility of him being held accountable from a legal perspective.

Organizing the Situation

First, let’s organize his case. It is a fact that the acquaintance gave a settlement to the woman he broke up with and disposed of her belongings. It is unclear whether any financial troubles occurred during that time or if his memory has become vague. However, since he is claiming that he was “stolen from,” there is a possibility that he could be involved in legal troubles. The psychological factor of depression is significant. It is necessary to determine whether he truly feels he was stolen from or if his mental illness is influencing his perception. Such mental issues can sometimes affect one’s perception of reality.

Considering from a Legal Perspective

The fact that he called the police suggests that some legal proceedings may be underway. What is important here is whether he is in a state where he can take responsibility for his actions. Under Japanese law, when a person with a mental disorder commits a crime, their capacity for responsibility may be questioned. If his judgment is impaired due to depression, whether his actions were malicious will be an issue. Additionally, if he claims “the money was stolen,” evidence will be needed to determine whether that money actually existed and how he obtained it. Without evidence, it will be difficult for the police to accept his claims. This is a very important point in legal evaluation.

The Importance of Evidence

Claims made without evidence are very weak. Even if he was truly stolen from, without evidence, the police cannot take action. Here, it is worth considering how clearly he can recall past events and how reliable that memory is. I am also curious about how depression affects memory. For example, symptoms of depression can include “confusion of thought” and “memory impairment.” This could lead to his memories becoming uncertain, and he might be convinced of something that is not true. Psychologically, there is a phenomenon known as “cognitive distortion,” which can lead to false perceptions.

Advice for the Acquaintance

For an acquaintance in such a situation, I would first recommend seeking help from a professional. Maintaining mental health is extremely important, and receiving medical care or counseling may help alleviate his symptoms. It is also essential to make him understand that appropriate evidence is necessary for his claims to have legal significance. If he was indeed stolen from, he should make efforts to gather evidence of the theft. For example, records of past financial transactions or testimonies from people around him may be helpful. Additionally, if there are medical documents from a doctor regarding his psychological state, they could positively influence legal proceedings.

In Conclusion

The case of the acquaintance is a complex situation intertwined with legal and psychological elements. Determining whether he was truly stolen from or if it is a result of confusion due to depression will influence future developments. While there is a possibility of legal responsibility being questioned, his psychological state cannot be ignored. Finally, as I contemplate this issue, I have reaffirmed the importance of mental health. Mental health issues can happen to anyone in society. Therefore, receiving appropriate support is crucial in any situation. At the intersection of psychology and law, we are living our lives.