Asked by Joseph Mullenberg on Apr 24, 2024
"Pleading guilty by reason of insanity is just a way for criminals to avoid punishment by feigning mental illness. It is an overused defense." What is the MOST accurate response to this statement?
A) "Research fully supports this. Up to 40 percent of violent criminals now try to use this defense, and more than half are found not guilty by reason of insanity."
B) "Insanity pleas are definitely becoming more common. However, most offenders who use this defense are truly ill."
C) "Insanity pleas are relatively uncommon. Only about 1 percent use this defense, and most are found guilty."
D) "Insanity pleas aren't allowed in more than 20 states now. You'll be seeing fewer and fewer of these pleas in the future."
Insanity Plea
A legal defense used in court that claims the defendant was unable to understand the nature of their actions due to mental illness at the time of the crime.
Feigning Mental Illness
Pretending to have a psychiatric condition that one does not actually have, often for personal gain.
Violent Criminals
Individuals who commit crimes involving the use or threat of physical force or harm against others.
- Recognize the critiques and obstacles associated with civil and criminal commitments, along with the defense of insanity.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the critiques and obstacles associated with civil and criminal commitments, along with the defense of insanity.