{"id":362022,"date":"2013-01-28T16:34:14","date_gmt":"2013-01-28T21:34:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dictionary\/definition\/insanity.html"},"modified":"2013-01-28T16:34:14","modified_gmt":"2013-01-28T21:34:14","slug":"insanity","status":"publish","type":"dictionary","link":"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/insanity.html","title":{"rendered":"Insanity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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term:<\/p>\n

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n<\/p><\/dt>\n

1<\/strong> <\/p>\n

:<\/strong> unsoundness of mind or lack of the ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or that releases one from criminal or civil responsibility: as
a<\/strong> :<\/strong> a disease, defect, or condition of the mind that renders one unable to understand the nature of a criminal act or the fact that it is wrong or to conform one’s conduct to the requirements of the law being violated
b<\/strong> :<\/strong> inability to understand and participate in legal proceedings brought against one
:<\/strong> incompetence <\/a>
c<\/strong> :<\/strong> inability to understand the nature and purpose of a punishment (as the death penalty) to which one has been sentenced
d<\/strong> :<\/strong> inability to understand the nature and consequences of one’s acts (as making a will) or of events, matters, or proceedings in which one is involved see also commitment<\/a>, durham rule<\/a>, irresistible impulse test<\/a>, m’naghten test<\/a>, not guilty by reason of insanity<\/a>, substantial capacity test<\/a> compare capacity<\/a>, competency<\/a>, competent<\/a>, diminished capacity<\/a>, sanity<\/a>
2<\/strong> :<\/strong> the affirmative defense of having acted while insane<\/p>\n

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Source: Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law \u00a91996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Related Terms from the Criminal Law Glossary<\/h2>\n\t\n\t
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