Running head: THE REVIEW OF THE DEFENSE FOR INSANITY
Abstract The insanity defense refers to the concept of insanity which defines the extent to which beings accused of crimes may be relieved of criminal responsibility by virtue of mental disease. The terms of such a defense are to be found in the instructions presented by the trial judge to the jury at the close of a case. These instructions can be drawn from any of several rules used in the determination of mental illness. The final determination of mental illness rests solely on the jury who uses information drawn from the testimony of expert witnesses, usually professionals in the field of psychology. The determination results in an individual being placedin a mental facility, incarceration, or outright release. Due to the above factors, there are several problems raised by the existence of the insanity defence. Problems such as the actual possibility of determining mental illness, placement of judged “mentally ill” offenders, and the overall usefulness of such a defense. In all, beliefs that these problems, as well as others which will be mentioned in this study, lead to conclusive evidence that defending insanity can cause a variety of unwanted effects. The Defense of Insanity The topic of insanity defense is very vast in terms of the legality, psychology and the longevity of effects that are placed on the safety of society. Gruesome, but true, the focus of insanity defense has boldly sought local interest in many individuals, after the vicious beheading of a Greyhound Bus passenger. Not only was the unpleasant incident witnessed by passengers en route to Winnipeg in the month of August 2008, the mentally disconcerting visuals and leaked police audio was broadcasted for the world to detain. This is just one case that is brought forth to be examined under excruciating evidential factors of the plea for suitability to withstand trial. The purpose of this study was designed to investigate the...