What does a "mental illness" defense argue in Georgia criminal law?

A "mental illness" defense in Georgia criminal law argues that the defendant was unable to understand their actions due to a mental illness. This defense relates to the concept of culpability, which holds that a person should only be held accountable for their actions if they possess the mental capacity to understand what they are doing and the nature of their acts. When invoking this defense, it is typically necessary to demonstrate that the defendant was suffering from a significant mental disorder at the time of the offense, which impaired their ability to distinguish right from wrong.

This approach often involves expert testimony from mental health professionals who can evaluate the defendant's mental state and provide a clinical explanation of how their illness impacted their behavior. If successfully argued, the mental illness defense can lead to a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity or may result in alternative sentencing options focused on treatment rather than punishment.

The other options involve different legal defenses. For instance, being under the influence of drugs impacts a defendant's state but does not inherently absolve them of criminal liability unless it directly affects their capacity for intent or understanding. Coercion involves external pressure exerted on a person to commit a crime against their will, which is distinct from the internal cognitive issues arising from a mental illness. Lastly, lacking