insanity defense

The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in a case where a defense lawyer refused to follow the instructions of his client, who contended he was innocent.

National
Politics & Government

In Supreme Court, Skepticism Of Lawyer Who Overrode Client's Wish To Plead Not Guilty

8:27pm January 17, 2018

by Nina Totenberg

The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case in which the defendant's lawyer told the jury he was guilty over the defendant's explicit objection.

Queue Listen Now

Four states have no legal insanity defense.

National
Science
Health & Safety

With No Insanity Defense, Seriously Ill People End Up In Prison

3:13pm August 05, 2016

by Natalie Jacewicz

Four states have no insanity defense. Advocates say that means seriously ill people can be executed where in other states they wouldn't be convicted at all, and it makes it harder to get treatment.

This undated photo was taken of John Hinckley Jr. in front of the White House. He attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in D.C. on March 30, 1981.

National
Science
Health & Safety

After Hinckley, States Tightened Use Of The Insanity Plea

4:40pm July 28, 2016

by Natalie Jacewicz

John Hinckley's not-guilty verdict prompted tighter restrictions on the insanity defense. Civil rights advocates say that means seriously ill people are imprisoned without adequate treatment.