Insanity acquittals rarely shorten confinement and often extend it for lesser crimes

Evidence

Many states commit defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity to a$Q-dayobservation period before determining whether they can be released. Few are released at the conclusion of that period. In comparison with those convicted and sentenced, insanity acquittees tend to spend an equivalent time in confinement for violent crimes, such as murder or attempted murder, and more time ne fo: less serious crimes.>? It is noteworthy that John Hinckley, who shot President Reagan, remains confined. Thus, defendants seldom benefit if found not guilty by reason of insanity. — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1898

Categorization

• XREF: Counters the popular premise that an NGRI verdict is a loophole; connects to the course’s fairness and equality themes. — connects to: The insanity test a jurisdiction adopts changes plea rates and acquittal outcomes — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1896
• SHARE: The Hinckley detail and the ‘more time for lesser crimes’ twist are the kind of fact worth sending to someone who follows criminal law.

Broader Connections

• The insanity test a jurisdiction adopts changes plea rates and acquittal outcomes #corroborates (1.00) — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1896