Legal Insanity
/ˈliːɡəl ɪnˈseɪnɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine recognizing that a person, due to a mental disorder or defect, was unable to understand the nature or wrongfulness of their actions at the time of the crime, thus lacking criminal responsibility.
The defendant was acquitted based on legal insanity because he did not comprehend his actions when the crime occurred.
Forms
- legal insanity
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Legal insanity differs from medical insanity; it is a specific legal standard focused on the defendant's mental state at the time of the offense.
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.