Temporary Insanity
/ˈtɛmpəˌrɛri ɪnˈsaɪnəti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal defense asserting that a defendant was insane only for a short period when committing an act, negating criminal responsibility due to lack of mens rea.
The defendant claimed temporary insanity to avoid conviction for the alleged crime.
Forms
- temporary insanity
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Temporary insanity is a specialized form of the insanity defense focusing on brief periods of mental incapacity, and courts often require clear evidence of the limited time frame.
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.