A defendant's criminal defense, if based on the XYY chromosome defect, is an insanity defense.

Question

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The XYY chromosome anomaly is sometimes presented in court as a mitigating factor in criminal behavior, suggesting a genetic predisposition to aggression, not insanity. An insanity defense typically argues that a defendant was unable to understand the nature of their actions or distinguish right from wrong due to mental illness, which is a different legal and medical issue than having an extra Y chromosome.

A Defendant's Criminal Defense, If Based on the XYY Chromosome