Legal Definitions - cum satis furore ipso puniatur

Definition: Cum satis furore ipso puniatur is a Latin phrase that means "since he is sufficiently punished by the insanity itself." This phrase was used historically in reference to the principle that an insane person is not criminally responsible for their actions. It was a precursor to the modern insanity defense.

One example of the use of cum satis furore ipso puniatur is in the case of John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity, as he was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the crime. The court determined that he was sufficiently punished by his mental illness and did not need to face criminal charges.

Another example is the case of Andrea Yates, who drowned her five children in a bathtub in 2001. Yates was also found not guilty by reason of insanity, as she was suffering from severe postpartum depression and psychosis at the time of the crime. The court determined that she was sufficiently punished by her mental illness and did not need to face criminal charges.

These examples illustrate the principle of cum satis furore ipso puniatur, which recognizes that individuals who commit crimes while suffering from a mental illness should not be held criminally responsible for their actions. Instead, they should receive treatment for their illness and be considered "sufficiently punished" by the effects of their mental illness.