Asked by Mackenzie Aycock on Feb 18, 2024
Verified
The insanity defense has been one of the most controversial applications of psychology to law.Many people believe the defense is a way for criminals to get away with their crimes.Compare public perceptions with the actual use of this defense.
Insanity Defense
Defense used by people accused of a crime in which they state that they cannot be held responsible for their illegal acts because they were mentally incapacitated at the time of the act.
- Analyzing the historical and legal context of the insanity defense.
- Examining the criteria and standards for using the insanity defense.
- Understanding the public perception of the insanity defense and its controversy.
Verified Answer
AS
ARIES STYLZFeb 18, 2024
Final Answer :
Key terms and confidence that may be included in student responses:
▪ Fewer than 1 in 100 defendants in felony cases files an insanity plea, and only 26 percent result in acquittal
▪ Only about 1 in 400 people charged with a felony is judged not guilty by reason of insanity, and about 265 of these people have diagnoses of schizophrenia, and most have a history of psychiatric hospitalizations and previous crimes
▪ Of those people acquitted because of insanity, about 85 percent are sent to mental hospitals, and all but 1 percent are put under some type of supervision and care
▪ Of those who are sent to mental hospitals, the average length of stay in the hospital is almost 3 years when all types of crimes are considered, and over 6 years for those who have been accused of murder
▪ Fewer than 1 in 100 defendants in felony cases files an insanity plea, and only 26 percent result in acquittal
▪ Only about 1 in 400 people charged with a felony is judged not guilty by reason of insanity, and about 265 of these people have diagnoses of schizophrenia, and most have a history of psychiatric hospitalizations and previous crimes
▪ Of those people acquitted because of insanity, about 85 percent are sent to mental hospitals, and all but 1 percent are put under some type of supervision and care
▪ Of those who are sent to mental hospitals, the average length of stay in the hospital is almost 3 years when all types of crimes are considered, and over 6 years for those who have been accused of murder
Learning Objectives
- Analyzing the historical and legal context of the insanity defense.
- Examining the criteria and standards for using the insanity defense.
- Understanding the public perception of the insanity defense and its controversy.