The Counsel of Trent

#1204 - The Insanity of Modern "Insanity"

September 14, 2026·17 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

The Lindsay Clancy mistrial has reignited debate over insanity, criminal responsibility, and mental illness. In this episode, Trent examines the history of the insanity defense, the consequences of deinstitutionalization, and why some modern definitions of insanity risk excusing people who know exactly what they are doing. To support this channel: https://www.patreon.com/counseloftrent [NEW] Counsel of Trent merch: https://shop.catholic.com/apologists-alley/trent-horn-resources/ Be sure to keep up with our socials! https://www.tiktok.com/@counseloftrent https://www.twitter.com/counseloftrent https://www.instagram.com/counseloftrentpodcast 00:00 What Is Insanity? 01:20 St. Dymphna and Caring for the Mentally Ill 03:16 The Insanity Defense and Mental Asylums 05:05 Deinstitutionalization and Public Safety 07:52 How Modern Insanity Standards Expanded 09:51 Culpability, Impulses, and “Affluenza” 11:14 The Lindsay Clancy Case 14:38 Evil, Responsibility, and Mental Illness 16:33 Reforming the Insanity Defense

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