Question

The underlying basis of the insanity defense is _______

A) People who have a mental illness should not be punished

B) People who have a mental illness cannot ever form the intent needed to commit a crime, so shouldn't be punished

C) Some people who have a mental illness are not able to fully comprehend their behavior, so should not be punished

D) Even if they had the required intent for a crime, the mentally ill still shouldn't be punished

Answer 1

The insanity defense is based on the concept that individuals with a mental illness cannot form the intent needed to commit a crime and should therefore not be punished.

Step-by-step explanation:

The underlying basis of the insanity defense is option B) People who have a mental illness cannot ever form the intent needed to commit a crime, so shouldn't be punished.

This defense is rooted in the idea that individuals with a mental illness lack the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions and therefore should not be held fully responsible for their crimes.

For example, if someone suffering from schizophrenia commits a crime during a psychotic episode, they may not have the required intent to be held legally responsible.