Definition Of The Insanity Defense

The insanity defense end game.

Definition of the insanity defense. Insanity defense synonyms insanity defense pronunciation insanity defense translation english dictionary definition of insanity defense. Insanity defense definition of insanity defense by the free dictionary. The essence of this defense is that at the time of the crime the person did not appreciate the nature or quality or wrongfulness of the acts by reason of his her insanity. These mental health issues can include both permanent mental health issues and episodic mental health issues.

A defense asserted by an accused in a criminal prosecution to avoid liability for the commission of a crime because at the time of the crime the person did not appreciate the nature or quality or wrongfulness of the acts. Release was only possible on authority of the home secretary. Character defense any character trait e g a mannerism attitude or affectation which serves as a defense mechanism. Insanity defense law and legal definition the defense of insanity is asserted by an accused in a criminal prosecution to avoid liability for the commission of a crime.

The insanity defense also known as the mental disorder defense is an affirmative defense by excuse in a criminal case arguing that the defendant is not responsible for his or her actions due to an episodic or persistent psychiatric disease at the time of the criminal act. All four of these states with the exception of kansas allow guilty but insane verdicts which often provide for institutionalization in lieu of prison. Defense de fens behavior directed to protection of the individual from injury. While the insanity defense is a legal doctrine at its heart it is the expression of a moral principle found in societies across time and multiple cultures.

This is contrasted with an excuse of provocation in which the defendant is responsible but the responsibility is. A few states don t allow the insanity defense against criminal charges including idaho kansas montana and utah. Insanity defense a legal concept that a person cannot be convicted of a crime if he lacked criminal responsibility by reason of insanity at the time of. The insanity defense refers to a legal defense in a court of law where a person is not held culpable for their actions due to their mental health issue s.

The history of the insanity defense stretches back to at least the twelfth century but initially it wasn t considered an argument for the defendant to be found not guilty.