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Alternatives to the Insanity Defense

NCJ Number
98403
Journal
Journal of Psychiatry and Law Volume: 12 Dated: (Spring 1984) Pages: 93-102
Author(s)
R G LaGrone; D C Combs
Date Published
1984
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The insanity defense, so named from the verdict of 'not guilty by reason of insanity' (NGRI), has been a source of empassioned debate since its inception.
Abstract
More recently, the NGRI controversy was renewed by the verdict of NGRI in the case of John Hinckley, Jr. This article examines various issues and alternatives to the insanity defense, i.e., 'guilty but mentally ill' (GBMI) and 'not responsible by reason of insanity' (NRRI), that are evolving in the public arena today. An argument favoring NRRI is presented.

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