The federal Insanity Defense Reform Act prohibited experts from testifying directly to the ultimate issue. In those states in which the Act applies
A) The expert is not allowed to express a direct opinion about the ultimate issue - whether the defendant was legally
B) Even though the expert is not allowed to express a direct opinion as to the ultimate issue, it doesn't matter because research shows most jurors believe experts did express such an opinion even if they didn't
C) a and b)
D) neither a) nor b)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Insanity Defense Reform Act does indeed restrict experts from directly stating an opinion on the ultimate issue of a defendant's legal insanity, aligning with choice A. Choice B is also correct because research indicates that jurors often perceive experts as having given an opinion on the ultimate issue, even when they technically have not, due to the nature of the testimony and the inferences jurors draw from it.

The Federal Insanity Defense Reform Act Prohibited Experts from Testifying