Mad or Manipulative: The Insanity Defense and the Shadow World of Serial Killers

Author(s)	Ms. Nandana Sajeev
Country	United Arab Emirates
Abstract	This paper examines the controversial use of the insanity defense in cases involving serial killers. It explores how the legal system grapples with distinguishing genuine mental illness from manipulative behavior in individuals who commit horrific crimes. Grounded in the M’Naghten Rule, the research delves into high-profile cases like Ed Gein and Ted Bundy to question whether mental illness should absolve criminal responsibility. It also considers emerging concepts in neuroscience and proposes potential legal reforms to better address the complex intersection of mental health and criminal justice.
Keywords	Insanity Defense, Serial Killers, Criminal responsibility, Legal insanity, Criminal law, Ted Bundy, Ed Gein, Legal loopholes, Justice and morality
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2025
Published On	2025-05-13

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research