What rule states a defendant cannot participate in their own defense due to insanity?

The M'Naghten Rule is crucial in determining a defendant's ability to discern right from wrong at the time of committing a crime and is often invoked in insanity defenses. This rule establishes the standard that if a defendant was suffering from a severe mental illness when the crime was committed, which rendered them incapable of understanding the nature of their actions or distinguishing between right and wrong, they may be deemed not criminally responsible for their actions.

In this context, if a defendant is declared insane under the M'Naghten Rule, it implies they cannot effectively participate in their defense because their mental state prevents them from comprehending the proceedings, making rational decisions, or assisting in their own representation. This underscores the principle that legal competency requires a defendant to be able to engage logically with their case.

The other options refer to different aspects of legal standards and procedures relating to mental health and criminal responsibility. The Insanity Defense Act specifically outlines how defendants can raise an insanity defense but does not directly define the inability of a defendant to participate in their own defense. The Criminal Responsibility Rule addresses general liability in a criminal context rather than specifics of mental competency. Finally, the Competence to Stand Trial Act relates to a defendant’s present ability to understand the court proceedings and assist their