FBS 153 Final Exam Study Guide

The jury or judge in a criminal trial who decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant based on the evidence presented.

A person who commits a crime can be found guilty by a court only if the prosecution proves these two elements.

A sleep disorder that can cause people to act out violent behavior while they're asleep. For example, Marcus Wesson, who killed nine people in Fresno, California, in 2005.

The mental state of a person who is committing a crime. It refers to the guilty intent or knowledge that the person had while committing the crime.

The legal reasons why a defendant may be found not guilty even if they commit the actus reus, meaning the defendant did the act but didn't have the mens rea.

A type of mental state used in affirmative defenses where defendants argue they didn't understand the nature of their actions due to intoxication.

Also a type of mental state used in affirmative defenses. It describes a time when a person is coerced into doing something by threat of harm.

An affirmative defense where the defendant argues they committed an illegal act to prevent a more serious harm, like death.

A legal defense in criminal cases arguing that the defendant's mental state was impaired, but not entirely absent, at the time of the crime. They may have understood the nature of their actions but lacked the ability to control their behavior. It's a less severe claim than insanity, which completely negates criminal responsibility.

A legal defense in criminal cases where the defendant claims they were unable to understand the wrongfulness of their actions due to mental illness or defect at the time of the crime. It completely absolves the defendant of criminal responsibility.

A legal process where a governor reviews a condemned inmate's death sentence and can potentially commute it to life imprisonment without parole.

Any substance, agent, or factor that can cause birth defects or other developmental abnormalities in a fetus.

The study of someone's subjective experiences and perceptions. It emphasizes the individual's unique viewpoint and understanding of reality.

The jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty in a criminal trial. In an insanity trial, judges typically determine the defendant's sanity.

If a defendant is found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) they are usually committed to a mental health facility. The decision is based on their condition and the potential threat they pose to society.

A legal defense where a defendant argues they were insane at the time of the crime, and therefore not criminally responsible for their actions.

A legal test for insanity based on the ability to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the crime. It focuses on the defendant's cognitive state.

This rule defines insanity as a mental disease or defect that makes the defendant incapable of knowing right from wrong or controlling their behavior.

The legal standard for insanity used in some states, where the defendant's actions are considered the 'product' of a mental disease or defect.

A legal term for a diagnosis of a mental illness or disorder, which is not the same as being legally insane.

The ability to resist an impulse or urge to commit a crime due to a mental illness.

A legal term that refers to the situation where someone who has been found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) is still considered dangerous and may be confined.

A condition in which a person is no longer displaying symptoms of a mental disorder, but may still be considered dangerous.

A serious mental disorder characterized by a loss of touch with reality, often manifesting through symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

False beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary.

Perceptions of sensory experiences, such as sounds, sights, smells, or touch, that are not real.

A disorder of thinking that leads to illogical and incoherent speech patterns, often with unusual grammar and word combinations.

A complex mental disorder characterized by severe disruptions in thinking, perception, emotion, and behavior. It involves a combination of positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (e.g., apathy, social withdrawal).

A type of psychosis that features persistent delusions but without significant hallucinations or other psychotic symptoms.

A personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt, often accompanied by manipulative and antisocial behavior.

A term coined by Hervey Cleckley, describing the deceptive facade that psychopaths present to the world, hiding their true nature.