The Insanity Defense
The insanity defense is a critical component of criminal law, providing a pathway for individuals whose mental state at the time of committing a crime absolves them from criminal liability. Mississippi adheres to the principles of the M'Naghten Rule, a long-established standard that helps determine whether a defendant was insane at the time of their offense. This blog explores the intricacies of the insanity defense as applied in Mississippi, detailing statutory provisions and procedural nuances.
The M'Naghten Rule: Foundation of the Insanity Defense
The M'Naghten Rule, derived from the 1843 English case of Daniel M'Naghten, establishes the criteria for determining legal insanity. According to the rule:
"To establish a defense on the ground of insanity, it must be clearly proved that at the time of committing the act, the accused was laboring under such a defect of reason, from disease of the mind, as not to know the nature and quality of the act he was doing, or if he did know it, that he did not know he was doing what was wrong."
This rule focuses on two main aspects:
Nature and Quality of the Act: The defendant must not understand what they were doing due to a mental defect.
Knowledge of Wrongfulness: Even if the defendant understood their actions, they must not recognize that what they were doing was wrong.
Mississippi's Legal Framework for Insanity Defense
Mississippi's approach to handling defendants who claim insanity is detailed in the state's legal code, which outlines procedures for determining mental competency, managing cases of intellectual disability, and post-acquittal proceedings.
1. Definition of Intellectual Disability
According to § 99-13-1 of the Mississippi Code, a "person with an intellectual disability" means any person (i) who has been diagnosed as having substantial limitations in present functioning, manifested before age eighteen (18), characterized by significantly sub-average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two (2) or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work, and (ii) whose recent conduct is a result of having an intellectual disability and poses a substantial likelihood of physical harm to himself or others in that there has been (A) a recent attempt or threat to physically harm himself or others, or (B) a failure and inability to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, safety or medical care for himself.
2. Disposition of Offenders Brought Before a Conservator of the Peace
Under § 99-13-3 of the Mississippi Code, when a person charged with a crime appears to be insane or has an intellectual disability to the extent of being non-responsible for their actions, the following steps are taken:
The individual is not discharged.
The conservator of the peace remands the person to custody.
The case is reported to the chancellor or clerk of the chancery court for civil commitment proceedings.
3. Grand Jury Findings on Insanity
§ 99-13-5 of the Mississippi Code addresses situations where the grand jury does not find a true bill due to the accused's insanity or intellectual disability. The process includes:
Certification by the grand jury that the accused is not responsible for their actions due to insanity or intellectual disability.
Assessment of whether the individual poses a danger to public safety.
Notification to the chancellor or clerk of the chancery court, who then follows the legal process for handling such individuals for civil commitment proceedings.
4. Acquittal on Grounds of Insanity
When a defendant is acquitted on the grounds of insanity, several procedural steps are outlined in § 99-13-7of the Mississippi Code:
The jury must state in their verdict whether the defendant has been restored to sanity and whether they pose a danger to the community.
If the jury finds the defendant still insane and dangerous, the judge orders confinement in a state psychiatric hospital.
There is a presumption of continuing mental illness and dangerousness, which can be challenged and overturned by clear and convincing evidence in a hearing. The defendant has the right to counsel during this process.
5. Acquittal on Grounds of Intellectual Disability
§ 99-13-9 of the Mississippi Code provides guidelines for cases where a defendant is acquitted due to intellectual disability:
The jury must indicate whether the defendant is a danger to life, property, or community safety.
If deemed dangerous, the defendant is remanded to custody, and the case is referred to the chancery court for civil commitment proceedings.
6. Mental Examination of Defendants Charged with Felonies
Under § 99-13-11 of the Mississippi Code, in any criminal action where a defendant's mental competency is questioned:
The court may order a mental examination by a court-selected psychiatrist or psychologist.
The cost of the examination is borne by the county where the criminal action is pending.
This provision ensures that defendants undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their ability to stand trial and make a defense.
Conclusion
The insanity defense in Mississippi, grounded in the M'Naghten Rule, provides a structured approach to handling defendants with mental health issues. By adhering to specific statutes and procedures, Mississippi ensures that justice is served while addressing the unique needs of individuals with mental illnesses or intellectual disabilities. The detailed legal framework not only protects the rights of the accused but also safeguards public safety, balancing compassion with the imperatives of justice.
