When insanity is presented as a defense in a civil case, is the trial judge free to consider all possibly relevant evidence?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Sims, 637 F.2d 625 (9th Cir. 1980):

When insanity is presented as a defense, "the trial judge should be free in his admission of all possibly relevant evidence." United States v. Hartfield, 513 F.3d 254, 260 (9th Cir. 1975). . . . Possibly relevant evidence includes evidence of the defendant's mental condition over a period of time. "(S)ince conditions of mental disease are more or less continuous, '(i)t is therefore proper, in order to ascertain * * * (the existence of mental disease) at a certain time, to consider its existence at a prior or subsequent time.' " United States v. Alden, 476 F.2d 378, 383 (7th Cir. 1973), quoting II Wigmore on Evidence 233, at 25 (3d ed. 1940).

Other Questions


In reviewing whether a state trial judge should have sua sponte conducted a competency hearing, can a federal court consider only the evidence that was before the trial judge? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does case law applicable to an insanity defense have any relevance to the defense that the accused lacked the requisite mental state? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the defense of a plaintiff in a civil case arising under Section 1983 of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a trial judge overturn a finding that lay opinion evidence is relevant to the trial? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
How has the pleading standard been interpreted in civil civil cases in the context of civil civil litigation? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a federal government official be held liable for civil damages in a civil case brought by a plaintiff who was not aware of the impact of the actions of a federal civil servant on her client's civil rights? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the case law in which the jury is asked to consider evidence of prejudicial prejudice in a jury trial where the evidence of guilt is overwhelming? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can the evidence be considered in the light of the evidence in the context of a civil case? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the difference between a trial judge and a jury in a case where the trial judge declined even to examine the documents after reviewing the documents? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for a plaintiff in a civil case seeking to enforce a civil rights defense in the context of civil rights violations? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.