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Simple English definitions for legal terms

insanity and diminished capacity

Read a random definition: single-juror instruction

A quick definition of insanity and diminished capacity:

Insanity and diminished capacity: These are legal terms used in criminal cases to determine if a person is responsible for their actions. Insanity means that a person did not understand what they were doing was wrong because of a mental illness. Diminished capacity means that a person's mental state affected their ability to form the intent to commit a crime. These defenses can be used to argue that a person should not be held responsible for their actions.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Insanity defense and diminished capacity are legal concepts used in criminal cases to determine a defendant's mental state at the time of the crime.

Insanity Defense: This defense argues that the defendant was not responsible for their actions because they were suffering from a mental illness or defect at the time of the crime. If successful, the defendant may be found "not guilty by reason of insanity" and may be sent to a mental health facility instead of prison.

Diminished Capacity: This defense argues that the defendant's mental state at the time of the crime prevented them from forming the intent required for the crime. This defense does not result in a "not guilty" verdict, but may result in a lesser charge or sentence.

Examples:

  • The Hinckley case: John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate President Reagan in 1981 and was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
  • Colin Ferguson - The Long Island Railroad gunman: Colin Ferguson killed six people and injured 19 others on a train in 1993. He used the diminished capacity defense, but was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

These examples illustrate how the insanity defense and diminished capacity can be used in criminal cases to determine a defendant's mental state and responsibility for their actions.

Related Legal Issues:

More Resources:

insanity | insanity defense

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ParallelAgreeableOrangutan
19:50
Anyway joke's on them, they're in Evanston not Chicago
20:07
actually northwestern law is in downtown chicago
20:07
it’s actually more chicago than UChi lol
20:25
Northwestern has a goated location, right by navy pier . But Northwestern's main campus is beatiful and in Evanston (goated location but different reasons)
esoterica
21:30
I like northwestern law location a lot but I did a self guided tour there and this 3L I met told me that if I want to do public interest I shouldn't go there bc career services provides no support
MrThickRopes
0:37
I fukcking
MrThickRopes
0:37
really loved this girk
MrThickRopes
0:37
girl
MrThickRopes
0:38
but legislation preventented me from saying so
MrThickRopes
0:38
he is perfect. she would be perfect before m after, or diuring if he was in charge
1:10
is he perfect?
@MrThickRopes: Careful Mr. ThickRopes. I once wrote a love letter to a girl and it was used against me in court. Best not to tell women how you really feel about them. Might get accused of Rape. Oh my God I am so Horny. Haven't fucked in 6 years now. Man oh man!
^^^^^^^^^ Imagine that shit gets presented in court and your boomer judge who doesn't understand A.I. does not surpress it. Good god!
I thought about this more. You know, if you were still in high school. The time it is easiest to start a relationship, I would say yes. Tell her how you feel. Any woman post undergrad though, nah don't risk it. Wait to see how she turns out as a person at 25 at the very minimum. You probably dodged a bullet.
love amirite
alexa play marvin gaye
globalcitizen
9:58
These are the kinda freaks collecting 100% disability , we work hard everyday to subsidize these buffoons
@ParallelAgreeableOrangutan: I am too that’s why I’m a Tulane crashout rn
18:54
yall we didn’t have to report if we were the complaining party in a criminal case right for character and fitness
18:55
omg i’m scared
18:56
like if i sued my ex for whoopin my azz
19:37
Red flag
19:38
suing someone for being a little freaky 🤪 💀
19:39
LMAO CRAZY
19:40
[deleted by esoterica]
19:41
[deleted by esoterica]
13:51
@esoterica: thanks 🙏 it was a bad joke
how can I look up data on are applicants on here?
It depends how they phrased the question. Some questions just ask if you've ever been charged
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