Arizona legal term
Mental disease or defect in Arizona Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Arizona legislative session
In Arizona criminal law, “Mental disease or defect” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Arizona criminal code.
What does “Mental disease or defect” mean in Arizona criminal law?
"Mental disease or defect" means a condition that was the basis for a person being found guilty except insane pursuant to section 13-502 or that was subsequently diagnosed while the person was committed to the secure mental health facility and for which the person needs ongoing mental health treatment. 5. (A.R.S. § 13-3991)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.