Montana § 46-14-101 - Mental Disease Or Disorder -- Purpose -- Definition

Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 46-14-101 — Mental Disease Or Disorder -- Purpose -- Definition, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46-14-101. Mental Disease Or Disorder -- Purpose -- Definition

Mental disease or disorder -- purpose -- definition. (1) The purpose of this section is to provide a legal standard of mental disease or disorder under which the information gained from examination of the defendant, pursuant to part 2 of this chapter, regarding a defendant's mental condition is applied. The court shall apply this standard: (a) in any determination regarding: (i) a defendant's fitness to proceed and stand trial; (ii) whether the defendant had, at the time that the offense was committed, a particular state of mind that is an essential element of the offense; and (b) at sentencing when a defendant has been convicted on a verdict of guilty or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere and claims that at the time of commission of the offense for which the defendant was convicted, the defendant was unable to appreciate the criminality of the defendant's behavior or to conform the defendant's behavior to the requirements of the law. (2) (a) As used in this chapter, "mental disease or disorder" means an organic, mental, or emotional disorder that is manifested by a substantial disturbance in behavior, feeling, thinking, or judgment to such an extent that the person requires care, treatment, and rehabilitation. (b) The term "mental disease or disorder" does not include but may co-occur with one or more of the following: (i) an abnormality manifested only by repeated criminal or other antisocial behavior; (ii) a developmental disability, as defined in 53-20-102 ; (iii) drug or alcohol intoxication; or (iv) drug or alcohol addiction.

Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 46-14-101

What does Montana Code Annotated § 46-14-101 cover?

Section 46-14-101 ("Mental Disease Or Disorder -- Purpose -- Definition") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. 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 Montana § 46-14-101?

A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 46-14-101" (Montana). 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 Montana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.

How does Montana § 46-14-101 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana 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 Montana.