Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Re: temporary insanity defense

the actor must not have been able to appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct. this principle was first enunciated in the McNaughton Rule in merry old England.

i generally only reply to persons with actual legal problems but do not wish to avoid helping a good student like yourself. since you obviously have 'net access, google "McNaughton" and do a boolean for "appreciate wrongful!"

these rules were developed because to be a murderer one must intend the harm which resulted. otherwise the death would appear accidental or negligent rather than intentional.

a child can not muster the requisite intent; neither can a low-IQ person which the law formerly called an imbecile. google terms here include, "mens rea" and "specific intent."

good luck.

TV