What is the legal test for moral obligation in the context of the insanity defense?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Balint, G038238 (Cal. App. 6/18/2008), G038238. (Cal. App. 2008):

As the court noted in People v. Coddington (2000) 23 Cal.4th 529, overruled on another ground in Price v. Superior Court (2001) 25 Cal.4th 1046, 1069, fn. 13 "The morality contemplated [by the statute defining the insanity defense] is, as the prosecutor argued here, not simply the individual's belief in what conduct is or is not good. While it need not reflect the principles of a recognized religion and does not demand belief in a God or other supreme being, it does require a sincerely held belief grounded in generally accepted ethical or moral principles derived from an external source. `[M]oral obligation in the context of the insanity defense means generally accepted moral standards and not those standards peculiar to the accused. [Citation.]'" (Id. at p. 608.)

The court's modification of the instruction was a succinct and correct statement of the law.

3. CALCRIM No. 3450 is a correct statement of the law.

Other Questions


What is the legal test for a defense counsel to pursue an innocence defense rather than a voluntary intoxication defense? (California, United States of America)
How have courts considered the cognitive component of the insanity defense in the context of the "deific command" defense? (California, United States of America)
Can a defense of legal insanity be proven if the only mental disease or defect is personality disorder? (California, United States of America)
Can a jury consider evidence of voluntary intoxication in the context of a defense of incomplete self defense? (California, United States of America)
Does a court have a duty to instruct on the defense of others as a legal defense to assault? (California, United States of America)
Is a mistake-of-fact defense defense defense harmless? (California, United States of America)
When a prosecutor criticizes a defense attorney's conduct at trial, can the prosecutor be found guilty of misconduct if the prosecutor's arguments are not in the context of the defense counsel's conduct? (California, United States of America)
Is it improper to instruct with a portion of the insanity instruction that use of intoxicants is not the only ground for the insanity defense? (California, United States of America)
Can a jury consider evidence of voluntary intoxication in the context of a defense of incomplete self defense? (California, United States of America)
What is a defense attorney's obligation to advise defendants on issues in the plea context? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.