Recasting Florida's insanity defense. two modest proposals
Miller, E.C.
Journal of the Florida Medical Association 80(10): 684-688
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-4148 PMID: 8270901 Document Number: 405884
Three states have established psychiatric security review boards mandated to primarily provide protection from the potentially destructive behavior of insanity acquitees. Each year in Florida there are 100 of these patients; 5% have been involved in capital offenses. These boards, as compared with the extant judiciary system, are more effective and parsimonious and serve the end of primary prevention. It is recommended that the plea, "not guilty by reason of insanity," be changed to "guilty but insane." The change is largely semantic but should result in greater prosecutorial and public acceptance of the insanity plea and be more in keeping with individual freedom for patients as provided under the Constitution.