The Origins of the M’Naghten Rule

In the annals of legal history, few doctrines have had as lasting an impact on the insanity defense as the M’Naghten Rule. Named after Daniel M’Naghten, whose infamous 1843 trial sparked its formulation, this rule has since become a cornerstone of criminal law jurisprudence in numerous jurisdictions. The origins of the M’Naghten Rule lie in a complex interplay of legal, medical, and societal factors prevalent in the Victorian era.

The M’Naghten Case: A Turning Point

The case that gave birth to the M’Naghten Rule centered around Daniel M’Naghten’s assassination attempt on British Prime Minister