Document Type
Honors Project
Publication Date
6-5-2024
Abstract
My project is an essay exploring the early development of the insanity plea in American courtrooms, centering several cases between 1835 and 1882. I argue that it largely failed to serve its intended purpose and was foiled by misuse and prejudice. In each case I cover, I examine what form it took (what was the criteria to be criminally insane at the time?), the reaction of the public to the plea (did the public approve of its usage?) and whether or not it worked (did it acquit the defendant; did he deserve to be acquitted; was he truly insane?). I also present its development more broadly and describe its general perception in contemporary newspapers and fiction.
Level of Honors
summa cum laude
Department
History
Advisor
Jake Frederick
Recommended Citation
Frank, Hannah, "The Public Perception and Efficacy of the Insanity Plea, 1835-1882" (2024). Lawrence University Honors Projects. 189.
https://lux.lawrence.edu/luhp/189