Factors associated with a successful insanity plea

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Abstract
Data is presented on all insanity pleas (n = 202) in Erie County, New York [USA] from 1970-1980. No demographic, criminal history, current offense or history of mental hospitalization factors were associated with acquittal. Of the variables studied, only the recommendation of the forensic examiner was associated with the court''s decision to acquit by reason of insanity. When an insanity acquittal was recommended in the examination report, conviction ensued in only 17% of the cases. The proportion of pleas that were successful varied considerably over the 10 yr studied. The critical need for more research on the plea stage of insanity defense proceedings is discussed.