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Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) Affirmative defense.--It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under any Federal statute that, at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the offense, the defendant, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of his acts. Mental disease or defect does not otherwise constitute a defense.
(b) Burden of proof.--The defendant has the burden of proving the defense of insanity by clear and convincing evidence.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - 18 U.S.C. § 17 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 18. Crimes and Criminal Procedure § 17. Insanity defense - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/us/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure/18-usc-sect-17/
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