Insanity Defence
/ɪnˈsænɪti dɪˌfɛns/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal defense asserting that the defendant was legally insane at the time of the crime and therefore lacked criminal responsibility.
The defendant pleaded the insanity defence, claiming he could not understand the nature of his actions.
Forms
- insanity defence
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The insanity defence varies by jurisdiction and typically requires demonstrating a mental illness that impaired the defendant's ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of their conduct.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.