Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What does the M'Naghten test determine?

1. Defendant’s knowledge of guilt

2. Defendant’s capacity for deceit

3. Defendant’s ability to control their actions

4. Defendant’s understanding of right and wrong

The correct answer is: Defendant’s understanding of right and wrong

The M'Naghten test is a standard used in legal contexts to determine the mental state of a defendant at the time of committing a crime. Specifically, the test assesses whether the defendant was able to understand the nature of their actions and whether they could distinguish between right and wrong due to a mental illness or defect. By focusing on a defendant's understanding of right and wrong, the M'Naghten test operates under the premise that if a person cannot comprehend these fundamental moral principles, they may not be fully responsible for their actions. This test plays a crucial role in the insanity defense, which is employed when a defendant seeks to establish that they should not be held criminally liable due to mental incapacity. The other options, while related to the defendant's mental state, do not align with the core focus of the M'Naghten test. The test does not specifically evaluate the defendant's knowledge of guilt, capacity for deceit, or ability to control their actions—although these factors can influence broader assessments of mental health and criminal responsibility. Thus, the correct answer reflects the M'Naghten test's primary concern with the defendant's comprehension of right and wrong at the time of the offense.