Make sure you watch the three videos in our module for this chapter before tackling this question.

First, what did Andrea Yates do and what was her defense? Do you think her defense should have been successful? Would you have found her guilty OR not guilty by reason of insanity (meaning she would be admitted to a mental health facility, not prison).

Then do some research and find a case where a defendant claimed insanity as their defense. Tell us about the facts of the case. Did the jury find the defendant guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity? You may also find a case that is currently going through the justice system. It’s okay if you don’t know the verdict yet because the case hasn’t been decided. Just tell us what has occurred thus far.

Then choose one of the insanity tests from your book (they are in the book and were explained in the videos), and apply it to the case you found. How do the facts from the case you researched apply to the insanity test you chose? Using the test you chose, do you think the defendant/suspect should be found guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity?