Insanity Revised: Once More over the Cuckoo's Nest

Abstract

Currently, strong impetus is observed to alter or abolish the insanity plea. These endeavors are questioned on the following grounds: (1) the current lack of empirical data concerning the manner in which the plea operates presently; (2) the retrogressive nature of the alternative proposals made; (3) the constitutionality of the plea; and (4) as an overreaction to criticism generated by a few, well-publicized insanity cases.