United States v. Agnello

OPINION AND ORDER

GERSHON, District Judge.

Defendant Carmine Agnello seeks to offer evidence of a mental condition, identified as bipolar disorder, to negate the intent required for the various crimes with which he is charged. The government moves to preclude such evidence. 1

In the Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984, Congress limited the defense of insanity to where “the defendant, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of his acts.” 18 U.S.C. § 17(a). Congress further provided that “Mental disease or defect does…