Castle v. United States
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Summary

A individual challenged his conviction on grounds of insanity and duress due to addiction. The D.C. Circuit held that addiction alone does not constitute legal insanity and affirmed the jury’s role in assessing criminal responsibility

1964 | Federal Juristiction

Castle v. United States

Keywords Insanity defense; duress; addiction; criminal responsibility; legal insanity; D.C. Circuit; jury; conviction; appeal; affirmation
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Case Summary

A defendant's appeal contesting a conviction, citing insanity and duress stemming from substance addiction, was dismissed by the D.C. Circuit Court. The court's ruling upheld the established principle that addiction, in itself, does not meet the legal threshold for establishing insanity. The jury's determination of criminal culpability was thus affirmed.

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Case Summary

A defendant challenged his criminal conviction, arguing insanity and duress stemming from substance addiction. The District of Columbia Circuit Court rejected the claim that addiction, in itself, equates to legal insanity. The court upheld the jury's authority to determine the defendant's criminal responsibility.

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The Case of Addiction, Insanity, and Criminal Responsibility

A person tried to overturn their guilty verdict, arguing they were insane and acted under pressure because of their addiction. The court ruled that addiction by itself isn't enough to claim legal insanity. The jury's decision on whether the person was criminally responsible still stands.

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Summary

A person tried to get out of trouble because they said they were forced into doing something because of their addiction. The court said being addicted does not automatically mean you are legally insane. The jury still decided if the person was responsible for their actions.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

331 F.2d 822 (1964)

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