State v. White
Washington Supreme Court
60 Wash. 2d 551 (1962)
- Written by Kelli Lanski, JD
Facts
Don Anthony White (defendant) was charged with committing two murders at different places and times on the same day. He pled not guilty by reason of insanity. At trial, the judge instructed the jury that White could not be acquitted by reason of insanity if he had the ability to understand the nature and quality of his acts, even if his ability to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law was impaired by mental disease or defect. White appealed, arguing that the jury instruction was improper and that the jury should have been instructed under the irresistible-impulse test. Under that test, White could be found not guilty by reason of insanity if he could not control his behavior, even if he knew it was wrong.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Donworth, J.)
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