Insanity Defense
- Law & Governance -
Criminal Law Dictionary
Definition
A defense that negates criminal responsibility when a qualifying mental condition prevents required culpability. It applies only when the legal test for incapacity is satisfied at the time of the offense conduct. It does not excuse conduct merely because a diagnosis exists absent the legally required impairment.
Insanity Defense
Defense, Security & Public Safety Dictionary
Definition
A legal doctrine by which a defendant asserts that, at the time of the offense, a severe mental disease or defect rendered them unable to understand the nature or wrongfulness of their conduct, or unable to conform their conduct to the law, according to the jurisdiction's legal standard; when proven under the applicable standard, the defense negates criminal culpability or the requisite mental ele