Cult power can exercise complete control over an individual's will and thoughts and being. I don't understand it, but we do have to take mind control into account when we judge others. It is very clear Manson was the leader, that he orchestrated almost every move of his followers, and that they were acting under his control.
    Are Manson's followers responsible for the horrific acts they committed even though they were under his authority? Absolutely yes. How else could there be any justice at all?
    However, is there a point in an individual's psyche when that individual is rehabilited? Isn't that the reason we have penal institutions? Are prisons for punishing or reforming?
    And, what of the victims and the victims' families and friends and loved ones? How should they be compensated? Our society runs on money, perhaps an alternate society of prisoners doing jobs that make a usable product can generate money for the victims somehow. Prison work with educated prisoners might be able to generate money for the victims.