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

Subheading: The Birth of American Justice

In the wake of the American Revolution, the young United States faced the daunting task of establishing a legal system capable of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for its citizens. The Judiciary Act of 1789 emerged as a pivotal piece of legislation, laying the foundation for the nation’s judiciary and shaping the course of American legal history.

Subheading: Setting the Stage for Legal Structure

The Judiciary Act of 1789, signed into law by President George Washington, provided the framework for the federal court system. It established the structure of the Supreme