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insanity defense |
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defense /de·fense/ (de-fens´) behavior directed to protection of the individual from injury. character defense any character trait, e.g., a mannerism, attitude, or affectation, which serves as a defense mechanism. insanity defense a legal concept that a person cannot be convicted of a crime if he lacked criminal responsibility by reason of insanity at the time of commission of the crime. insanity defense Forensic psychiatry A legal defense that a person cannot be convicted of a crime if he lacked criminal responsibility by reason of insanity–a term defined as a matter of law; the premise is that where there is no
mens rea because of insanity, there is no criminal responsibility. See American Law Institute Formulation, Durham Rule, Irresistible impulse test, Long Island Rail Road massacre, M'Naughton Rule. Cf 'Black rage' defense, Television intoxication, 'Twinkie' defense. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Illinois allows victims to pursue a cause of action against a defendant who has committed a crime against them but has been found not guilty by reason of insanity or guilty but mentally ill. Du Pont was found guilty but mentally ill in the Jan. |
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