Which case is associated with the insanity defense?

Which case is associated with the insanity defense?

• A. Durham v. United States
• B. O'Connor v. Donaldson
• C. Dusky v. United States
• D. Ford v. Wainwright

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the legal standard for insanity in criminal law. Durham v. United States is associated with the insanity defense because it established the Durham Rule: a defendant is not criminally responsible if the unlawful act was the product of mental disease or mental defect. This approach broadened the test beyond simply knowing right from wrong and focused on the causal link between mental illness and the criminal act. In contrast, O'Connor v. Donaldson deals with civil commitment of a non-dangerous mentally ill person, Dusky v. United States sets the standard for competence to stand trial, and Ford v. Wainwright prohibits execution of those insane at the time of execution.

The concept being tested is the legal standard for insanity in criminal law. Durham v. United States is associated with the insanity defense because it established the Durham Rule: a defendant is not criminally responsible if the unlawful act was the product of mental disease or mental defect. This approach broadened the test beyond simply knowing right from wrong and focused on the causal link between mental illness and the criminal act.

In contrast, O'Connor v. Donaldson deals with civil commitment of a non-dangerous mentally ill person, Dusky v. United States sets the standard for competence to stand trial, and Ford v. Wainwright prohibits execution of those insane at the time of execution.