texas insanity laws?

Question

can someone tell me were i can find information about texas insanity laws

Answer 1

I assume you mean the use of insanity as a defense to criminal acts.

Texas has one of the most restrictive insanity defenses in the nation. It is rarely used and almost never successful. A defendant asserting insanity as a defense will have to prove that s/he was suffering from a severe mental illness and that s/he was incapable of knowing right from wrong.

Unlike many states, Texas does not tell jurors definitions of "knowing" and "wrong." The lack of definitions contribute to a vague standard and often jurors are reluctant to find insanity when a defendant has some minimal appreciation of having committed a crime.

Texas, like many states, restricted the insanity defense after John Hinckley was acquitted by reason of insanity of shooting President Reagan in 1981. Hinckley claimed that he shot President Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster.

Answer 2

Do you mean insanity as a defense in a criminal case? Do you mean committing someone to mental health care because they are a danger to themselves or others? Do you mean the duty of care required of doctors who treat mentally ill individuals?

You really have to be more specific before you can expect a meaningful answer.

Answer 3

"insanity laws" is a pretty wide brush. Can you be more specific? Much about insanity is not codified in law, it is determined by mental health experts and the court.

Answer 4

Your local public library - ask at the Reference Desk.

Answer 5

I know in court it is not knowing Good for Evil.