What's different about these lawbreakers is they are ill. Their health problems are not readily apparent to most people. But in most cases, the health problems are what got them into trouble.

All have been diagnosed as mentally ill.

In the past, defendants showing signs of mental illnesses, ranging from depression to schizophrenia, would linger in jail two to three times longer than other inmates while officials determined if they were competent to stand trial. Because the inmates need close supervision and daily medications, the cost of keeping them locked up was double that for others.

Today, judges and others in the justice system are trying a different tack. They see mentally ill defendants less as criminals and more as sick people who need help.

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