Vermont § 4801 - Test of insanity in criminal cases
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 4801 — Test of insanity in criminal cases, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4801. Test of insanity in criminal cases
- (a) The test when used as a defense in criminal cases shall be as follows: (1) A person is not responsible for criminal conduct if at the time of such conduct as
a result of mental disease or defect the person lacks adequate capacity either to
appreciate the criminality of the person’s conduct or to conform the person’s conduct
to the requirements of law. (2) The terms “mental disease or defect” do not include an abnormality manifested only
by repeated criminal or otherwise antisocial conduct. The terms “mental disease or
defect” includes congenital and traumatic mental conditions as well as disease. (b) The defendant shall have the burden of proof in establishing insanity as an affirmative
defense by a preponderance of the evidence. The defendant shall be responsible for
hiring the defendant’s own forensic evaluator for the purpose of establishing insanity,
provided that the Office of the Defender General shall pay for the evaluation of an
indigent defendant. (Amended 1983, No. 75; 2023, No. 28, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.)
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 4801
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 4801 cover?
Section 4801 ("Test of insanity in criminal cases") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. 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 Vermont § 4801?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 4801" (Vermont). 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 Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 4801 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont 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 Vermont.