Q: Is insanity most commonly encountered as an informal unscientific term denoting mental instability? ¶
A: Yes, or in the narrow legal context of the insanity defense.
Q: Is insanity a legal question and not a medical one? ¶
A: Yes, and the judge and or jury will make the final decision regarding the defendant's status regarding an insanity defense.
Q: Is insanity considered malingering? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Is insanity no longer considered a medical diagnosis but is a legal term in the United States? ¶
A: Yes, and stemming from its original use in common law.
Q: Is insanity to denote something considered highly unique? ¶
A: Yes, and passionate or extreme, including in a positive sense.
Q: Is insanity feigned in order to avoid or lessen the consequences of a confrontation or conviction for an alleged crime? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Is insanity "non compos mentis"? ¶
A: Yes, In law, mens rea means having had criminal intent, or a guilty mind, when the act was committed.
Q: Is insanity the simulation of mental illness in order to deceive? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Is insanity generally no defense in a civil lawsuit? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Was insanity the case of Mafia boss Vincent Gigante? ¶
A: Yes, and who pretended for years to be suffering from dementia, and was often seen wandering aimlessly around his neighborhood in his pajamas muttering to himself.