Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — Insanity is a legal directive provided to the jury in criminal cases to help them determine if the defendant should be held legally responsible for their actions based on their mental state at the time of the offense. This instruction is crucial in cases where the defense raises the plea of insanity to argue that the defendant lacked the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions or discern right from wrong. One significant type of Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — Insanity is known asHeighteneden Rule," derived from the English common law precedent set by Daniel M'Heighten's case in 1843. It focuses on whether the defendant was capable of understanding the nature and quality of their acts and distinguishing between right and wrong at the time of the offense. Another important type of Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — Insanity is the "Irresistible Impulse" rule. This rule extends the M'Heighten standard by considering whether the defendant, due to their mental condition, experienced an uncontrollable impulse to commit the crime, even if they knew it was wrong. It further acknowledges that the defendant's inability to control their actions resulted from a mental disease or defect. Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — Insanity also includes the "Guilty But Mentally Ill" (GBM) option. This instruction allows the jury to find the defendant guilty of the charged offense but recognizes their mental illness. The GBM verdict ensures that the defendant receives appropriate treatment while serving their sentence. The purpose of Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — Insanity is not to determine the defendant's diagnosis or treatment but rather their culpability under the law during the commission of the crime. The instruction assists the jury in weighing the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense, including expert witnesses' testimonies and medical records, to make an informed decision. Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — Insanity plays a vital role in providing a fair and just trial for defendants with mental health issues, ensuring that their mental state is carefully considered when determining their legal responsibility for the alleged offense.