What is the purpose of an insanity defense?

In California, the purpose of an insanity defense is to free a defendant from criminal responsibility for a crime they have been charged with. In California, insanity is seen as a mental disorder which impairs the defendant’s mental state such that they did not understand the nature and quality of their conduct or did not understand that their conduct was wrong. This defense is used to acquit a person so that they may undergo psychiatric or psychological treatment instead of being locked up in a correctional facility. In California, the insanity defense is not allowed to change the nature of criminal responsibility. In other words, if the defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity, it doesn’t mean they are completely off the hook. Rather, the court may find the defendant not criminally responsible for the crime and may instead require them to attend a mental health facility or be monitored for a period of time. The insanity defense has been used in California courts since the 1800s, but the legal standards for an insanity defense can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For this reason, it is important to consult with an attorney when considering this defense for a criminal case. Doing so can help ensure your rights are protected and that you are receiving the best possible defense.

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What is the purpose of an insanity defense?

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