Talking with Psychopaths and Savages: Guilty but Insane

Exploring the historical evolution of the insanity plea, this book delves into its roots in the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi and its modern formulation through the M'Naghten Rules established in 1843. The case of Daniel M'Naghten, who mistakenly killed Edward Drummond, serves as a pivotal example of how such defenses have shaped legal proceedings. The text highlights the complexities of the insanity defense and its lasting impact on contemporary legal practices, offering insight into the intersection of law, psychology, and morality.