PSY 510 Topic 8 DQ2

PSY 510 Topic 8 DQ2

Max Points: 5.0

Compare the legal definition of insanity with the psychological concept of mentally ill. How do these two terms differ? How does this distinction affect the validity of the insanity defense?

Answer:

“Insanity is a legal term pertaining to a defendant’s ability to determine right from wrong when a crime is committed. Insanity is a concept discussed in court to help distinguish guilt from innocence. It’s informed by mental health professionals, but the term today is primarily legal, not psychological. There’s no “insane” diagnosis listed in the DSM. The definition of Insanity from law.com is defined as “a mental illness of such a severe nature that a person cannot distinguish fantasy from reality, cannot conduct her/his affairs due to psychosis, or is subject to uncontrollable impulsive behavior.” “The insanity defense exists to identify which individuals fall into the latter category because of a mental disability. When the nature of defendants’ mental impairments are such that they are not criminally responsible for their acts, it is not only unjust to impose criminal liability and punishment, but it is also ineffective.”

Reference

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-therapy/200907/the-definition-insanity-is

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/positions/insanity-defense