![]() In modern usage insanity is most commonly encountered as an informal unscientific term denoting mental instability, or in the narrow legal context of the insanity defense. Insanity may manifest as violations of societal norms, including a person becoming a danger to themselves or others, though not all such acts are considered insanity. Insanity, craziness or madness is a spectrum of behaviors characterized by certain abnormal mental or behavioral patterns. If you would like to speak to a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at Lessem & Newstat, LLP, please call us today at (800) 462-7160 or contact us online to schedule a case consultation.Freebase Rate this definition: 3.0 / 1 vote We have a thorough understanding of the history of the M'Naghten Rule and know what it takes to successfully execute a not guilty by reason of insanity plea, so you can trust that we will have your back at each phase of the legal process. Our dedicated attorneys are passionate about protecting the interests of criminal defendants with mental health issues. ![]() You can plead both “not guilty” and “not guilty by reason of insanity,” or you can admit to committing the crime but still enter a plea of not “guilty by reason of insanity.” Our Compassionate LA Criminal Defense Attorneys Proudly Advocate for Mental Health DefendantsĪt Lessem & Newstat, LLP we have the knowledge and skills you need to confidently take an insanity defense to court if appropriate. In California, there are two ways to initiate an insanity defense. How Do I Plead Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in California? Under the preponderance of evidence standard, juries must rule against the defendant if neither side has the stronger argument for the insanity defense. However, California’s insanity defense is considered an “affirmative defense,” which means the defendant has the burden of proving they were insane at the time of the crime by a “preponderance of the evidence” and should be excused for their actions. In most criminal trials, the prosecutor has the burden of proof when it comes to the question of guilt or innocence. The Burden of Proof & Preponderance of the Evidence Both temporary and permanent insanity qualify for the California insanity defense. If a defendant’s mental state meets the M’Naghten test, then it doesn’t matter if their mental state was permanent or temporary. If the person suffered from a mental disease at the time of the offense, then they are considered legally insane because they did not know that their actions were illegal or wrong. ![]() The M’Naghten test is a cognitive test that assesses the thought processes and perceptions the defendant had at the time the crime was committed. The law also requires a certain level of mental capacitation for individuals to enter into certain relationships or to be held responsible for their behaviors.Īlthough psychological analysis is a factor in determining if a person is legally insane, there are times when a person can be considered psychotic but still fall short of meeting the legal definition for insanity. According to the law, when people are said to be insane, it means they are in a state of derangement which manifests as a lack of understanding or an incapacitated mind.Īn individual is considered legally insane under California law if they do not comprehend the nature of their actions or they are unable to distinguish between what is right and wrong. ![]() Definition of Insanity Under California LawĪlthough Albert Einstein is often credited for saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” insanity in the eyes of the law is something entirely different. ![]()
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