What does the insanity defense assert?

The insanity defense asserts that the defendant was unable to understand their actions at the time of the crime due to a severe mental illness. This defense is rooted in the principle that moral culpability requires an understanding of right and wrong. If a person cannot comprehend the nature of their actions or the wrongfulness of those actions due to a mental disorder, they may be deemed not responsible for their criminal behavior. This legal concept is significant in differentiating between individuals who commit crimes while fully aware of their actions and those who are suffering from psychological conditions that impair their ability to control their behavior or understand the consequences.

The other options relate to aspects of criminal intent or behavior, such as malicious intent or willful disregard for the law, which do not align with the insanity defense's core argument focusing on mental incapacity. Additionally, a history of violent behavior does not automatically justify an insanity plea, as it does not address the individual's understanding or insight into their actions at the time of a specific crime.