A Case Study in the Insanity Defense-The Trial of John W. Hinckley, Jr.-The Final Act

This casebook first presents clinical background and summarizes the history of the insanity defense. The heart of the book features extensive excerpts of testimony from the trial of John W. Hinckley Jr., and draws out the widely contrasting accounts of Hinckley's psychiatric condition, motivations, and legal responsibility at the time of the offense. The text then reviews public reactions to the verdict, poses comments and questions about the trial, and summarizes the legislative reforms of insanity defense that followed the verdict. The book concludes by reviewing the 35-year period of judicial oversight of Hinckley's hospitalization, treatment, outpatient supervision and release.