🧠ap psychology review

Insanity Defense

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

The insanity defense is a legal concept, not a psychological one. It refers to a defendant's claim that they were so mentally disturbed at the time of their criminal act that they should not be held accountable for it.

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