Vermont Insanity — Form of Verdict refers to a specific legal concept that is used in the state of Vermont to determine a defendant's mental state at the time of committing a crime. This verdict is based on the principles of insanity defense in criminal cases and serves as a potential outcome in court trials where the defendant's mental capacity is in question. In Vermont, when a defendant pleads not guilty by reason of insanity, the court holds a separate trial to assess the defendant's mental state. This trial focuses on determining whether the defendant suffered from a mental disease or defect that prevented them from understanding the wrongfulness of their actions at the time of the crime. If the jury finds the defendant to be legally insane, the Vermont Insanity — Form of Verdict may be applied. There are different types of Vermont Insanity — Form of Verdict that can be reached depending on the specific circumstances of the case. These verdicts include: 1. Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (GRI): This verdict is given when the jury determines that the defendant did commit the crime they were charged with, but they were not criminally responsible due to their mental state. It means the defendant will not be convicted and will instead be subject to mandatory psychiatric evaluation and potential treatment. 2. Guilty but Mentally Ill (GBM): This verdict is possible in Vermont and is distinct from the GRI verdict. It means that although the defendant can be held criminally responsible for their actions, their mental illness is recognized and taken into consideration during sentencing. The defendant may receive psychiatric treatment while serving their sentence. 3. Insanity Acquit: This type of verdict is not specific to Vermont, but it refers to cases where the defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity. It is often used interchangeably with the GRI verdict mentioned above. It is important to note that the Vermont Insanity — Form of Verdict is not a common occurrence in criminal trials. The burden of proof for establishing insanity is typically high, requiring clear and convincing evidence of the defendant's mental impairment. The goal is to ensure a fair balance between protecting society and providing appropriate treatment for individuals suffering from mental illnesses in the criminal justice system.