What is the main purpose of the insanity defense in a trial?

The main purpose of the insanity defense in a trial is to establish a lack of criminal intent. This defense operates under the principle that a defendant should not be held criminally responsible for their actions if, at the time of the offense, they were suffering from a severe mental illness that impaired their ability to understand the nature of their actions or distinguish right from wrong. The legal standard for insanity varies by jurisdiction, but it generally focuses on the mental state of the defendant during the commission of the crime. If a defendant successfully proves this defense, they may be found not guilty by reason of insanity, reflecting the understanding that mental health issues can significantly impact a person's responsibility for their actions.