Murder and Insanity: 19th Century Perspectives from the "American Journal of Insanity"

Articles over 100 years old on murder and insanity were reviewed from the "American Journal of Insanity". Signs and patient behaviors that today would not be considered definitive of mental illness were then frequently cited by the alienist (psychiatrist) as evidence of insanity. Further, certain diagnostic labels were created and used in court because they "explained" reprehensible acts. However, courts were generally reluctant to accept labels and theories without the public history of severely disordered behavior. The review provided a sense of the enduring value of the judicial system.