Insanity Defense Defense: John Hinckley Jr., Jeffery Dahmer, James Holmes, and Andrea Yates: They are all perpetrators of violent crimes, and they all claim insanity as a motive. In recent years, it appears that verdicts in many serious violent crimes have come down to the question of whether the defendant is responsible for his or her actions or whether he or she 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 "get out" of punishment for their crimes. For a criminal to be declared an NGRI, he or she 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% of cases where insanity pleas are accepted – they will receive mental treatment and rehabilitation but will remain in prison for the rest of their lives. The controversy arises from many aspects of the issue. The first is whether the legal system should allow this defense, since many states have banned it. Another question is whether insanity can be acceptably demonstrated in a trial. Another question is whether juries are sufficiently informed about the nature of insanity and how it is demonstrated to make an informed decision. There is little agreement among the psychological and legal communities and the public on the correct policy regarding insanity defense. This defense is a necessary part of the legal system to protect those who are unaware of their actions. One thing, however, is clear: If this defense is to continue to be a legal option, state lawmakers must change it. The evaluation of the defendants, administers...... middle of paper...... Web. April 13, 2014. Lilienfield, Scott O. and Hal Arkowitz. "The verdict of insanity during the trial." Scientific American Global 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. “Insanity Appeal: 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 insanity defense. Np, August 16, 2012. Web. April 13, 2014. Schweitzer NJ and Saks MJ. 2011. Neuroimaging Evidence and the Insanity Defense. Behav Sci Law 29(4):592-607. Yoong, Gideon. “The 10 Most Famous Insanity Defense Cases – Listverse.” Listverse. Np, 11 April 2012. Web. 01 May 2014.