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Homicide and the insanity defense: A comparison of sane and insane murderers
Author(s) -
Packer Ira K.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
behavioral sciences and the law
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.649
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1099-0798
pISSN - 0735-3936
DOI - 10.1002/bsl.2370050104
Subject(s) - homicide , insanity , insanity defense , psychology , poison control , psychiatry , forensic psychiatry , injury prevention , criminology , medical emergency , medicine
Abstract A sample of 50 homicide defendants acquitted by reason of insanity (NGRI) was compared with a group of 50 defendants who were evaluated for insanity and found to be criminally responsible (CR). Significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of prior psychiatric and criminal histories and nature of the homicide (i.e., relationship to victim). The dispositions of those found NGRI were also examined on the above variables.