Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Reform Act

The Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Reform Act is a legal standard that modifies how defendants with mental illness are treated in criminal cases. Under this act, a person may be found not guilty of a crime if they cannot understand their actions or distinguish right from wrong due to severe mental illness at the time of the offense. This reform aims to balance accountability and compassion, acknowledging that individuals with significant mental health issues may lack the capacity to be held fully responsible for their actions. It often leads to treatment rather than traditional punishment.