Identify which term is the most accurate with regard to the term insanity.
A) It is a defense that is attempted in at least 40 percent of all criminal cases.
B) It is no longer used in the mental health or criminal justice fields.
C) It is a legal, not a psychological, term.
D) It can only be applied by a licensed psychologist.

Question

Identify which term is the most accurate with regard to the term insanity.
A) It is a defense that is attempted in at least 40 percent of all criminal cases.
B) It is no longer used in the mental health or criminal justice fields.
C) It is a legal, not a psychological, term. 
D) It can only be applied by a licensed psychologist.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Insanity is a legal term used to determine if a person understood the consequences of their actions at the time of the crime. It is not a psychological diagnosis and cannot be applied by a licensed psychologist alone. The use of the insanity defense varies by jurisdiction, but it is not attempted in a majority of criminal cases. It is also not accurate to say that it is no longer used in the mental health or criminal justice fields, as it is still a recognized legal defense in many places.

Identify Which Term Is the Most Accurate with Regard to the Term