Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity.

Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity (NGRI)

Noun

The legal plea or verdict stating that a defendant cannot be held legally responsible for a crime because they were mentally ill or lacked the mental capacity to understand their actions at the time the offense occurred. In such cases, the defendant typically requires psychiatric treatment instead of criminal punishment. Defendants found NGRI may be committed to a mental health facility for care and treatment.