Alabama § 31-2A-50a - (Article 50A.) Defense of Lack of Mental Responsibility.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 31-2A-50a — (Article 50A.) Defense of Lack of Mental Responsibility., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-2A-50a. (Article 50A.) Defense of Lack of Mental Responsibility.
(a) It is an affirmative defense in a trial by court-martial that, at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the offense, the accused, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of the acts. Mental disease or defect does not otherwise constitute a defense.
(b) The accused has the burden of proving the defense of lack of mental responsibility by clear and convincing evidence.
(c) Whenever lack of mental responsibility of the accused with respect to an offense is properly at issue, the military judge shall instruct the members of the court as to the defense of lack of mental responsibility under this article and charge members to find the accused any one of the following:
(1) Guilty.
(2) Not guilty.
(3) Not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility.
(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to a court-martial composed of a military judge only. In the case of a court-martial composed of a military judge only or a summary court-martial officer, whenever lack of mental responsibility of the accused with respect to an offense is properly at issue, the military judge or summary court-martial officer shall find the accused any one of the following:
(1) Guilty.
(2) Not guilty.
(3) Not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 31-2A-52 (Article 52), the accused shall be found not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility if either of the following occurs:
(1) A majority of the members of the court-martial present at the time the vote is taken determines that the defense of lack of mental responsibility has been established.
(2) In the case of a court-martial composed of a military judge only or a summary court-martial officer, the military judge or summary court-martial officer determines that the defense of lack of mental responsibility has been established.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 31-2A-50a
What does Code of Alabama § 31-2A-50a cover?
Section 31-2A-50a ("(Article 50A.) Defense of Lack of Mental Responsibility.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 31-2A-50a?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 31-2A-50a" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 31-2A-50a apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.