621: The insanity defense: Does being crazy make you not guilty?

621: The insanity defense: Does being crazy make you not guilty?

From Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill by Pigweed and Crowhill

June 11, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 621

About this episode

The episode explores the complexities of the insanity defense in law and its implications on justice.

Is the insanity defense a get-out-of-jail-free card — or does "not knowing right from wrong" actually make you more dangerous? Pigweed and Crowhill dig into one of law's most misunderstood doctrines: what the insanity defense actually requires, why it succeeds in only about 25% of the cases where it's even attempted, and why the guys think the standard argument runs backwards. From the Son of Sam's killer dog (mostly a myth) to the McNaughton Rule, the Garfield assassination, James Holmes, and a Florida State student who believed he was half dog — the case studies are wild, but the underlying question is serious: when someone genuinely can't distinguish right from wrong, is that a reason for leniency, or a reason they should never be released? Also: a blood orange blonde ale from Molly's down in Prince Frederick. It actually tastes like orange. High praise. #InsanityDefense #TrueCrime #LegalHistory #Podcast #CriminalJustice 📬 Send us your thoughts: pigweedshow@gmail.com 🌐 More episodes: pigweedandcrowhill.com 👍 Like, subscribe, and tell a friend

People in this episode

Hosts: Pigweed, Crowhill

Topics covered

  • insanity defense
  • criminal justice
  • law
  • mental health
  • case studies

Keywords

  • insanity defense
  • criminal justice
  • law
  • case studies
  • mental health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Molly's

Products: blood orange blonde ale

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