The authors present data on all insanity pleas (N = 202) in Erie County,
New York, between 1970 and 1980. No demographic, criminal history, current
offense, or history of mental hospitalization factor was associated with
acquittal. Of the variables studied, only the recommendation of the
forensic examiner was associated with the court's decision to acquit by
reason of insanity. When an insanity acquittal was recommended in the
examination report, conviction ensued in only 17% of the cases. The
proportion of pleas that were successful varied considerably over the 10
years studied. The authors discuss the critical need for more research on
the plea stage of insanity defense proceedings.Abstract Teaser