Typology of Men Unsuccessfully Raising the Insanity Defense

Abstract

Little is known about the group of individuals who rely on the insanity defense throughout trial, but nonetheless are found guilty and sent to prison. This article discusses psychological test data and crime characteristics of 30 men who unsuccessfully attempted the insanity defense in Florida. Well over half of the attemptee crimes were found to be actions against strangers. Attemptees are divided into five subtypes and demographic and psychological characteristics are discussed.