Virginia legal term
Mental illness in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Mental illness” 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 Virginia criminal code.
What does “Mental illness” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Mental illness" means a substantial disorder of the minor's cognitive, volitional, or emotional processes that demonstrably and significantly impairs judgment or capacity to recognize reality or to control behavior. (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-336)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.