Prompt Cast
The Evolution and Challenges of the Insanity Defense in the Court System
TLDR The insanity defense has evolved over time to protect mentally ill individuals who may not understand the criminality of their actions. However, successfully using the insanity defense in court is difficult, with only about 1% of cases being successful.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The insanity defense has evolved over time to protect mentally ill individuals who may not understand the criminality of their actions.
04:21
The insanity defense has evolved over time and there is no single standard for defining insanity in the court system, with different states in the US having different methods, but there are a couple of different tests that the United States generally operates under, including the Maynoughton test and the irresistible impulse test.
08:14
The insanity defense is used to protect the mentally ill and is difficult to successfully use in court, with only about 1% of cases being successful and only 15 to 25% of that 1% resulting in acquittals.
11:55
In 1835, Richard Lawrence was acquitted by reason of insanity after attempting to kill President Andrew Jackson, who believed Lawrence was part of an assassination attempt by the Whig Party.
15:56
Andrew Goldstein pushed a woman in front of a train during a psychotic episode in 1999, highlighting a true case of someone deeply troubled rather than someone using the insanity defense as an excuse.
19:50
Andrew Goldstein, who suffered from delusions and had a history of violent episodes, pushed a woman in front of a train, leading to the implementation of Kendra's Law in New York, which allows judges to forcibly commit individuals who need psychiatric attention.
23:53
The conversation veers off-topic and discusses a man named Christopher Scarver who killed two other inmates, including Jeffrey Dahmer, and is now trying to write a book about it.
27:52
The hosts receive various items and letters from listeners, including postcards, coffee, and a patch from the Atlanta Core Vets Drum and Bugle Core.
31:42
The hosts express their gratitude for the various items and letters they have received from listeners.
Categories:
Society & Culture
