The Insanity Defense: Multidisciplinary Views on its History, Trends, and Controversies

How often is the defense of insanity or temporary insanity for accused criminals valid—or is it ever legitimate? This unique work presents multidisciplinary viewpoints that explain, support, and critique the insanity defense as it stands.

• Presents multidisciplinary coverage of this important topic—one that is typically polarizing for members of the general public

• Includes discussions of new advances in neuroscience that have revived debates regarding free will, culpability, and punishment

• Illustrates points with widely publicized and televised trials that have recently increased public awareness of the insanity defense as well as heated debates over its justification