This book examines the insanity defense and public reaction to it within the context of the trial of John Hinckley, Jr., for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
The shooting was seen by millions on television, and Hinckley was immediately apprehended. He was charged with 13 crimes. His trial, which began about 13 months later, lasted 7 weeks and resulted in an acquittal by reason of insanity. Part 1 of this book examines the history of the insanity defense and reviews various definitions and tests of insanity, including the M'Naughten rule, the irresistible-impulse test, the product (of a diseased mind) test, and the Model Penal Code. Part 2 uses testimony from the trial, particularly that of expert witnesses, to elucidate the various components of the insanity defense with respect to mental disorder, the defendant's ability to understand wrongfulness, and his capacity to conform his conduct to the requirements of law. The final part examines the difficult policy questions raised by the Hinckley trial, discusses the adverse public reactions to the acquittal, and reviews the legislative reforms enacted by Congress and about half the States since the trial. These reforms have included narrowing the scope of the defense, placing the burden of proof of insanity on the defense, limiting ultimate-issue psychiatric testimony by expert witnesses, abolition of the insanity defense, and the establishment of a 'guilty but mentally ill' verdict. Section notes.