Psychological Profiles of Criminally Insane Individuals
Criminal insanity is a legal term that refers to a mental disorder or defect that renders an individual incapable of understanding the nature and consequences of their criminal actions. This legal term has been used in the United States since the 19th century and is still in use today, albeit with a much more narrow definition. In this article, we will explore the psychological profiles of individuals who have been classified as criminally insane and discuss the implications of this legal classification.
The criminal insanity defense has been used by defendants in criminal cases since the 1800s. The defense was initially based on the idea that the defendant was incapable of understanding their criminal actions due to a mental illness or defect. This defense has since evolved to include a variety of other criteria, including the inability to distinguish between right and wrong or control behavior. The criteria used to determine criminal insanity varies by jurisdiction, but generally requires that the defendant is suffering from a mental disorder or defect that is severe enough to render them incapable of understanding the nature and consequences of their actions.
The psychological profiles of individuals who are found to be criminally insane vary widely depending on the individual and their disorder or defect. Generally speaking, those individuals who are found to be criminally insane are likely to display traits of impulsivity, disorganization, impaired judgment, and difficulty controlling their behavior. Additionally, many individuals who are found to be criminally insane also display signs of paranoia, psychosis, and delusions.
The implications of a criminal insanity defense vary depending on the jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, an individual who is found to be criminally insane is released from criminal responsibility and may be transferred to a mental health facility for treatment. In other jurisdictions, a criminal insanity defense may result in a lighter sentence or reduced charges.
In conclusion, criminal insanity is a legal term that refers to a mental disorder or defect that renders an individual incapable of understanding the nature and consequences of their criminal actions. The psychological profiles of individuals who are found to be criminally insane vary widely, but generally include signs of impulsivity, disorganization, impaired judgment, and difficulty controlling behavior. The implications of a criminal insanity defense also vary by jurisdiction, but generally involve either a mental health facility or a reduced sentence.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Ford, J. M., & Brodsky, S. L. (2011). The insanity defense: A critical analysis of law and policy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Kanter, J. W., & Gray, T. S. (2015). Criminal law and procedure. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press.