A bill to abolish the insanity defense for Federal crimes.

Summary

Amends the Federal criminal code to abolish the defense of insanity. Provides that insanity at the time of an offense will not negate the mental state or condition required by law to convict a defendant, provided that the defendant was able to understand the nature and consequences of the offense. Places upon the defendant the burden to prove a lack of comprehension of the nature of his offense which is necessary to excuse him from trial. Requires a judge to commit to the appropriate medical institution any defendant so excused. Allows the court to commit a convicted defendant to an appropriate institution for medical assistance, until the defendant is declared sane by the medical authorities at the institution. Requires any remainder of a sentence to be served in prison.

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Documents

1 official file

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 13 July 1982

  Open at official source

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