The So-Called Insanity Defense Is Older (and Weirder) Than You Think
Summary
In episode 1300 of Opening Arguments, hosts Janessa and Matt explore the history and legal mechanics of the insanity defense, debunking common myths about its frequency and success rates. They trace the evolution of legal tests from the M’Naghten rule to the American Law Institute standard, analyzing how different states like New York and Massachusetts apply these criteria. The discussion highlights the distinction between cognitive and volitional impairments, the burden of proof in affirmative defenses, and the ongoing debate over whether mental illness should absolve criminal responsibility.
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