guilty but mentally ill

noun

: a verdict available in some jurisdictions in cases involving an insanity defense in which the defendant is considered as if having been found guilty but is committed to a mental hospital rather than imprisoned if an examination shows a need for psychiatric treatment compare not guilty by reason of insanity

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Cite this Entry

“Guilty but mentally ill.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/guilty%20but%20mentally%20ill. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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