Name_______________________________________________Period__________________Date____________________
Law and Order Special Victims Unit: Born Psychopath
Plot: When a school nurse notices several injuries on a young girl, the SVU detectives are called in to investigate. A closer
look at her family reveals a mother struggling to manage the violent outbursts of her nine year old son. As the SVU squad and
the visiting Dr. Huang debate an appropriate course of treatment, the situation rapidly explodes into a dangerous standoff.
Directions: In the first column, describe Perry Smith’s childhood. In the second column, explain Henry Mesner’s childhood
(parents, siblings, financial situation, schooling, etc.). Include examples of psychopathic behaviors that Henry Mesner
displayed.
Perry Smith
Perry Smith’s childhood:
Henry Mesner
Childhood (parents, siblings, financial situation, schooling, etc.)
Examples of psychopathic behaviors.
Directions: After completing the chart, answer the following prompt in a complete paragraph.
Imagine you were on a jury for the Clutter murder case and you heard a vivid description of Perry Smith’s
past. You also read Perry’s letter. Would you consider his past when deciding his fate? Why or why not?