What does the insanity defense propose regarding legal responsibility?

The insanity defense proposes that individuals should not be held legally responsible for their actions if, at the time of the crime, they were not of sound mind. This means that if a person has a significant mental illness or impairment that prevents them from understanding the nature of their actions or distinguishing right from wrong, they may be deemed incapable of forming the intent required to be found guilty of a crime. This defense recognizes that mental health can profoundly impact a person's ability to make rational decisions, thereby absolving them of legal responsibility under certain conditions.

The concept behind this defense emphasizes compassion and understanding of mental health issues in the legal system. It illustrates a belief that accountability should be balanced with an understanding of an individual’s mental state at the time of the offense.