NCJ Number
79482
Journal
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (1981) Pages: 63-72
Date Published
1981
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A Wyoming survey of college students, community residents, police officers, mental health personnel, and legislators about their opinions concerning the insanity plea found that all groups overestimate the frequency and success rate of the plea.
Abstract
Significant segments of each sample believed that the plea is abused. Large proportions of each sample expressed disagreement with the underlying philosophy of the plea. Results were discussed in terms of the present movement to eliminate the plea and the use of expert witnesses. Survey results and nine references are provided. (Author abstract modified)