not guilty by reason of insanity

Legal Definition of not guilty by reason of insanity

1 : a plea by a criminal defendant who intends to raise an insanity defense —used in jurisdictions that require such a plea in order for an insanity defense to be presented

2 : a verdict rendered by a jury in a criminal case that finds that the defendant was insane at the time of committing the crime as determined by application of the test for insanity used in the jurisdiction — compare guilty but mentally ill

Note: A verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity usually results in the commitment of the defendant to a mental institution. Such a verdict, however, may allow the defendant to be released, sometimes into the custody or care of another (as a family member).

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Cite this Entry

“Not guilty by reason of insanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/not%20guilty%20by%20reason%20of%20insanity. Accessed 16 Jan. 2021.