The insanity defense is a legal argument used in criminal cases to assert that a defendant was unable to understand the nature of their actions or distinguish right from wrong due to a severe mental disorder at the time of the crime. This defense connects deeply with the elements of a crime, particularly in evaluating mens rea, or the mental state required for criminal liability, as it questions whether the defendant possessed the necessary intent. It also serves as a significant counter to accusations of criminal liability, highlighting the intersection between mental health and the justice system.
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