legal standards for mental health

Legal standards for mental health determine whether a person’s mental condition affects their responsibility or decision-making. Key standards include "mental competence," meaning a person can understand and evaluate information to make decisions, often assessed in court. "Insanity" refers to whether a person, at the time of a crime, lacked understanding of right and wrong due to a mental disorder. These standards ensure that mental health issues are appropriately considered in legal proceedings, balancing individual rights with public safety, while applying clear criteria to assess a person’s mental state relative to legal responsibilities.