Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman
Ep37 "What is Insanity?" Part 2
Dec 4, 2023
This podcast explores the intersection between the legal system and neuroscience. It discusses topics such as the insanity defense, the Twinkie Defense, and using premenstrual syndrome as a criminal defense. The podcast also delves into real-life cases, the challenges of determining insanity, and the evolution of the insanity defense. It concludes by emphasizing the complexity of society and available resources at eagelman.com/podcast.
39:05
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the history and complexities of the insanity defense in the legal system, discussing different approaches and tests used to determine criminal liability and the impact of mental illness on the ability to appreciate right from wrong.
- The episode examines the role of volition in assessing criminal liability and the insanity defense, presenting cases where individuals had impaired volition, exhibiting impulse control issues despite their ability to understand right from wrong.
Deep dives
The Insanity Defense
The podcast explores the history and complexities of the insanity defense in the legal system. It delves into different approaches and tests used to determine criminal liability and the impact of mental illness on the ability to appreciate right from wrong. The episode discusses famous cases, such as Andrea Yates, and highlights the challenges in accurately assessing mental state in criminal trials. It also addresses public perceptions and misconceptions about the insanity defense, and the ongoing debate surrounding its effectiveness and fairness.
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