Insanity, by definition, is a deranged state of mind usually occurring in the form of a specific disorder. Although the definition of insanity has always been debated, this definition is broad enough to be accepted. A famous quote on the definition of insanity is: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” » -Albert Einstein (brainyquote.com). This is, however, incorrect. Insanity is not a diagnosis contrary to what some believe. It is primarily a legal term used in court to defend those who commit a crime and are unaware that their actions were not socially acceptable. Madness has been around forever and can affect anyone. Since 1581, insanity has been included in the law books in an attempt to determine whether the accused can tell the difference between right and wrong. Under U.S. law, more than 2 million people are declared insane each year. Most cases where people plead insanity turn out to be false. To be declared insane in court, you must take a mental test to prove that you are insane, which is almost impossible to cheat on. Temporary inanity is also a popular defense in courtrooms, but "...the defense of temporary insanity has largely lost its position as a distinct – or even coherent – ​​legal claim" (the defense of temporary insanity). insanity was only used in 2% of cases). felony cases and in which 75% of these cases failed. A famous case in which the accused pleaded insanity and was found as such was the case of John Hinckley Jr. who shot President Reagan six times and one bullet hit Reagan. was made to attract the attention of an actress he was obsessed with and she starred in a movie where the president was shot. People can go crazy in different ways. Schizophrenia can be... middle of paper. ....minds are damaged. Works Cited “Types of Mental Illness.” WebMD.com, 2014. Web, April 4, 2014. » The Numbers Matter: Mental Disorders in America. » MentalIllness, nd Web. April 4, 2014. number-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml> Covey, Russell D. “Temporary Insanity: The Strange Life and the Times of the Perfect Defense.” » Boston University Law. Review 91.5 (2011): 1597-1668. Elite academic research. Internet. Apr 7, 2014.http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/definition-of-insanity.htmOpfer, Chris. “What is the definition of insanity?” March 12, 2013. HowStuffWorks.com.insanity.htm > April 7 2014.