What is the requirement for a defendant to be deemed insane under GA law?

In Georgia, for a defendant to be deemed insane, it is crucial to establish that they suffered from a mental disease or defect at the time of the offense. This aligns with the legal standard set forth under Georgia's insanity defense statute, which requires evidence that the defendant lacked the mental capacity to understand the nature or wrongfulness of their actions due to a significant mental disorder.

While other options mention various aspects of mental health considerations, they do not encapsulate the fundamental requirement as clearly as the notion of a mental disease or defect. For instance, a documented history of insanity cannot solely establish insanity at the time of the crime, and unawareness of legal consequences does not encompass the legal definition of insanity in Georgia law, as it focuses on the understanding of one's actions rather than the legal repercussions. Similarly, while a medical diagnosis may support the claim of insanity, it is not strictly necessary for a legal determination of insanity. Thus, establishing the presence of a mental disease or defect directly addresses the core requirement for the insanity defense in Georgia.