People v. Skinner
California Supreme Court
39 Cal. 3d 765 (1985)
Relevant factsFree
Skinner (defendant) strangled his wife to death while on a day pass from a mental institution. Expert testimony established that Skinner knew his conduct would kill her and intended that result, but that his mental illness caused him to believe his actions were morally justified and expected of him.
IssueFree
Whether a defendant who is incapable of understanding that his act is morally wrong can be held criminally liable for it.