Insanity

Insanity is a legal term, used to cover a wide ranging and frequently expanding list of mental health conditions and syndromes. Webster's dictionary defines insanity as a "deranged state of mind," lacking the "mental capacity required by law" to enter into certain agreements or "as removes one from criminal or civic responsibility." The insanity (and incompetence) defense therefore is the means by which a defendant may argue that he or she should not be held …

…the insanity defense is concerned. It demonstrates the flaws in the positions taken and arguments made by supporters and detractors of the insanity defense. Finally, it defines the criteria that any compromise solution must address in determining the future of the insanity defense. In so doing it emphasizes the need for change in a system and a concept that is currently failing the social structure (order) and society (members) it purports to preserve and protect.