Insanity Defense: John Hinckley Jr., Jeffery Dahmer, James Holmes, and Andrea Yates: all are perpetrators of violent crimes and all cite insanity as the reason. In recent years, it seems that verdicts for many major violent crimes come down to whether the defendant is responsible for their actions or whether they should be found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). This verdict, more commonly known as the insanity defense, is often seen as a way for criminals to "escape" punishment for their crimes. For a criminal to be declared an NGRI, he must undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation to determine that at the time of his crimes, he was not of sound mind and incapable of realizing the wrongfulness of his actions. If a jury decides they are not guilty — which happens in about 25 percent of cases where the insanity plea is accepted — they will receive psychiatric care and rehabilitation but remain imprisoned for the rest of their lives. Controversy arises from several facets of this issue. The first is whether the legal system should allow this defense when many states have banned it. Another question is whether insanity can be proven in an acceptable manner at trial. Another question is whether juries are sufficiently informed about the nature of insanity and how it is proven to make an informed decision. There is little agreement between the psychological and legal communities and the public on the correct policy regarding the insanity defense. This defense is a necessary part of the legal system to protect those who are unaware of their actions. One thing is clear, however: If this defense is to continue as a legal option, state lawmakers must change it. The evaluation of defendants, administr...... middle of paper ...... Web. April 13, 2014. Lilienfield, Scott O. and Hal Arkowitz. “The Insanity Verdict at Trial.” American Scientific World RSS. Nature America, Inc., December 23, 2010. Web. April 13, 2014. Martin, John P. “The Insanity Defense: A Closer Look.” » Washington Post. The Washington Post, February 27, 1998. Web. April 23, 2014. Peszke, Michael A. “The Case for Insanity: Doctors Against the Law.” » The New York Times. The New York Times, August 6, 1983. Web. April 23, 2014. Rogers R. 1987. APA Position on the Insanity Defense: Empiricism versus Emotionality. Am Psychol 42(9):840-8.Schouten, Ronald. “Almost a psychopath.” The defense against insanity. Np, August 16, 2012. Web. April 13, 2014. Schweitzer NJ and Saks MJ. 2011. Neuroimage evidence and the insanity defense. Behav Sci Law 29(4):592-607. Yoong, Gideon. “Top 10 Most Notorious Insanity Defense Cases – Listverse.” Listverse. Np, April 11, 2012. Web. May 1 2014.