not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI)

Not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) is a legal defense used when a person accused of a crime claims they should not be held responsible because they were mentally unable to understand the nature of their actions or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense. If successful, it means they are found not guilty due to mental illness, and typically, they are committed to a mental health facility for treatment rather than regular incarceration. This defense recognizes that mental health issues can impair decision-making but does not imply the person is free from accountability in all circumstances.