Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
/ˈnɒt ˈɡɪlti baɪ ˈriːzən ʌv ɪnˈsænɪti/
Definitions
- (phrase) A legal defense asserting that a defendant was legally insane at the time of the crime, thereby lacking the mental capacity to be held criminally responsible.
The defendant was found not guilty by reason of insanity because expert testimony proved he could not understand his actions.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
This defense focuses on the defendant's mental state at the time of the offense and is distinct from claims of incompetency to stand trial.
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.