John Hinckley Jr.was acquitted by reason of insanity.What appeared to be an influence on the jury's verdict?
A)The defense had proven that he was insane beyond a reasonable doubt.
B)The defense had not proven that he was sane beyond a reasonable doubt.
C)The prosecution had proven that he was insane beyond a reasonable doubt.
D)The prosecution had not met its burden to prove he was sane beyond a reasonable doubt.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acquittal by reason of insanity requires that the prosecution prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was sane at the time of the crime. If the prosecution fails to meet this burden of proof, the defendant must be acquitted. Therefore, the most likely influence on the jury's verdict was that the prosecution had not met its burden to prove that Hinckley was sane beyond a reasonable doubt.