Question

The case of Andrea Yates made the headlines in 2001 and continues to stir controversy today. Originally found guilty in the courts, Yates was retried and found "not guilty by reason of insanity." She was to be committed to a mental hospital for treatment. Research the Andrea Yates cases and the use of the "not guilty by reason of insanity" plea in the justice system. What defense strategy was used in the Andrea Yates case?

A) "Not guilty by reason of insanity."
B) "Guilty by reason of insanity."
C) "Innocent due to mental illness."
D) "Temporary insanity."

Answer 1

The defense strategy in the Andrea Yates case was 'Not guilty by reason of insanity,' with evidence of her severe postpartum depression and psychosis presented to support this plea.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the Andrea Yates case, the defense strategy used was A) "Not guilty by reason of insanity." This plea is asserted by a defendant who admits the action but contends that they were not responsible due to mental illness at the time of the crime. In Yates' trial, her defense team presented evidence of her severe postpartum depression and psychosis to support the insanity defense. The strategy ultimately led to a retrial where Yates was found not guilty by reason of insanity and she was committed to a mental hospital for treatment.

The defense used psychological evaluations and expert testimony to demonstrate Yates's mental state. This approach mirrors earlier cases where psychological tests of intelligence and mental condition were utilized, such as the 1914 case of Jean Gianini, emphasizing society's evolving views on legal insanity and mental health in criminal proceedings.