Mass. Clancy Case Probes Insanity Defense and the Meaning of Wrongfulness

Jurors in Lindsay Clancy’s Massachusetts murder trial weigh the state’s insanity defense. Massachusetts uses the McHoul standard, requiring prosecutors to prove the defendant could appreciate the wrongfulness of her conduct or could conform her conduct to the law; the defense argues postpartum psychosis left Clancy unable to be criminally responsible. The defense and prosecution present conflicting mental-health expert opinions, and jurors remain deadlocked as debates over postpartum timing and mental state unfold. If found not criminally responsible, Clancy would be committed to a state hospital with periodic reviews.