The insanity defense is a complex and often misunderstood legal strategy based on the premise that in specific circumstances, a person who has committed a crime should not be held responsible due to a severe mental health condition.

Tests for Determining Legal Insanity

The insanity defense acknowledges that a defendant may have been legally insane when committing an alleged act. This defense argues that the defendant cannot be fully culpable for their actions due to a severe mental disorder. The determinant here is the person’s state of mind at the time of the crime, not before or after.

Different jurisdictions use various tests to assess whether a defendant qualifies for the insanity defense.

1. The M’Naghten Rule

California Penal Code Section 25 derives from this traditional standard, requiring that a defendant either did not understand what they were doing or could not distinguish right from wrong at the time of the crime due to a severe mental problem. Under this rule, many jurisdictions have shifted the burden of proving insanity from the prosecution to the defense.

2. The Irresistible Impulse Test

Under this test, the defense must demonstrate that the defendant could not control their impulses due to a mental illness, leading them to commit the criminal act.

3. The Model Penal Code Test

This test considers whether a diagnosed mental illness prevented the defendant from understanding the criminality of their actions or acting within the confines of the law. It specifically looks at whether the defendant had the substantial capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of their actions or to conform their conduct to the law.

Famous Cases Involving the Insanity Defense

The insanity defense has been at the center of several high-profile legal battles that have captivated public attention and sparked widespread debate.

• John Hinckley Jr.: In perhaps the best-known case involving the insanity defense, Hinckley was acquitted after his attempt to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1982, leading to public outcry and stricter standards for the defense in several states.
• Lorena Bobbitt: In 1994, a jury found Bobbitt not guilty due to insanity when she mutilated her husband. The verdict resulted in her commitment to a maximum-security mental health facility instead of prison.

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in California

The insanity defense requires deft handling due to its intricacies and the serious implications of its use. In the trial, the burden is on the defendant to prove legal insanity at the time of the crime. Medical evaluations, psychiatric reports and character witnesses are pivotal for establishing a credible insanity defense. Additionally, advice from a knowledgeable attorney like Sal Ciulla is invaluable for helping you understand the rigorous standards involved.

At Ciulla Law, every client we take on receives expert advice and attention. If you are considering the insanity defense, reach out to us to protect your legal rights and present your case as effectively as possible.