Research Article
Voluntary intoxication and criminal responsibility
Douglas B. Marlowe J.D., Ph.D.,
Jennifer B. Lambert J.D., Psy.D.,
Robert G. Thompson Psy.D.,
Corresponding Author
Douglas B. Marlowe J.D., Ph.D.
Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 1120, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7220, USA
Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 1120, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7220, USA.Search for more papers by this authorJennifer B. Lambert J.D., Psy.D.
Institute for Addictive Disorders, MCP Hahnemann University
Search for more papers by this authorRobert G. Thompson Psy.D.
Institute for Addictive Disorders, MCP Hahnemann University
Search for more papers by this authorDouglas B. Marlowe J.D., Ph.D.,
Jennifer B. Lambert J.D., Psy.D.,
Robert G. Thompson Psy.D.,
Corresponding Author
Douglas B. Marlowe J.D., Ph.D.
Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 1120, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7220, USA
Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 1120, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7220, USA.Search for more papers by this authorJennifer B. Lambert J.D., Psy.D.
Institute for Addictive Disorders, MCP Hahnemann University
Search for more papers by this authorRobert G. Thompson Psy.D.
Institute for Addictive Disorders, MCP Hahnemann University
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 11 June 1999
Citations: 25
Abstract
This paper reviews the law related to voluntary intoxication and criminal responsibility in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin islands, and Puerto Rico. Statutory and case law citations are provided which govern the use of intoxication evidence in each jurisdiction to negate mens rea (i.e., to establish diminished capacity), to support an insanity defense, and to mitigate criminal sentencing. Factors that courts typically focus on when deciding whether to admit this evidence in a particular case are discussed, and these factors are related to clinically relevant criteria. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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