Insanity defense

[*PhilHos*]

(09-28-2020, 04:48 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: Actually setting out what constitutes and "insanity defense" would be helpful here.

Essentially the insanity defense states you were not in your right mind at the time of the offense or that you were unable to distinguish between right or wrong at the time.  Mens rea, or the intent to act wrong (criminally) is a key component of our criminal justice system.  Fred is essentially asserting that religious belief is a form of mental illness, which really wouldn't inherently negate the defense, although it would open up the use of this defense by any religious person.

However, you can still know an action is wrong even if you believe God told you to do it.  Honestly, this thread really comes off as a thin veneer coated over an excuse to bash religious people. 

It's not very thin at all. It's clearly nothing but an excuse to bash religion and religious people.