Boyle v. State

(after stating the facts as above).

A grave question presented on this appeal is whether the defendant was due an affirmative instruction on his plea of “not guilty by reason of insanity.”

The burden and measure of proof of insanity in such eases is defined by statute (Code-1923, § 4572) as follows: “Every person over fourteen years of age charged with crime is presumed to be responsible for his acts, and the burden of proving that he is irresponsible is cast upon the accused. The defense of insanity in all criminal prosecutions shall be clearly proved to the reasonable satisfaction of the…