The M'Naghten rule establishing an insanity defense
A) emphasizes an irresistible impulse
B) is the same as the product rule
C) means the defendant will go to a regular prison if found not guilty by reason of insanity
D) emphasizes cognitive capacity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The M'Naghten rule focuses on whether the defendant was able to understand the nature and quality of the act they were doing or if they knew it was wrong due to a defect of reason from a disease of the mind. This emphasizes the cognitive capacity of the defendant rather than an irresistible impulse, the product rule, or the implications for sentencing if found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The M'Naghten Rule Establishing an Insanity Defense